SPEE3D’s Additive Manufacturing technology to support Ukraine’s military
October 9, 2023
SPEE3D, based in Melbourne, Australia, has announced its collaboration with the United States Department of Defense, via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, to provide Additive Manufacturing and equipment training for the Ukrainian army.
The Department of Defense supplied SPEE3D AM machines to Ukraine through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. These machines will be deployed in various locations throughout the country. The US Department of Defense invested in seven SPEE3D metal AM machines and provided additional training for soldiers and engineers to utilise the company’s manufacturing technology. This capability will enable Ukrainian soldiers to quickly fabricate critical parts for military equipment.
“We’re focused on giving Ukrainian soldiers resources to fortify the maintenance and repair capabilities when and where it counts most,” stated Chris Harris, VP of Defense for SPEE3D. “Our metal 3D printers will allow Ukrainian soldiers to manufacture metal parts at the point of need and in real-time so critical equipment can stay in the fight.”
“By training Ukrainian soldiers and engineers to leverage metal 3D printing, we’re not only enabling them to print a part—we’re giving them tools to solve critical problems,” stated Calum Stewart, Director of Defense Programs, EMEA. “This cutting-edge technology allows broken and damaged machinery to be repaired in hours—offering a significant advantage for Ukraine. Having WarpSPEE3D metal 3D printers in the country and readily available equates to a significant advantage when replacement parts are not accessible, which is often the case in theatre.”
SPEE3D and the Department of Defense have emphasized the training of soldiers to maintain, repair, and salvage military equipment. As a result, military personnel will now have the capability to manufacture parts of various sizes that could otherwise impede progress or operations. Deployable metal AM machines can quickly fabricate damaged parts using SPEE3D’s proprietary and patented Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing (CSAM) technology.
Unlike other types of additive manufacturing that often rely on lasers, SPEE3D’s CSAM technology utilises supersonic deposition to spray heated and compressed air at speeds more than twice the speed of sound. This key distinction makes these machines well-suited for manufacturing in challenging environments as they can be transported to or near the required location.
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