Explorer’s Circle
Welcome to the SPEE3D blog.
The Next Expeditionary Challenge
On May 13, 2024, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) began its first-ever SALVEX exercise at the Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Oahu, Hawaii.
NAVSEA invited government, academia and industry participants to demonstrate the viability of solutions that expand the Navy’s ability to perform expeditionary maintenance operations in the field.
Why?
Because for the U.S. Navy, limited sustainment and repair capabilities in forward locations have increased reliance on slow, costly supply chains—putting missions at risk.
Portable solutions that can reliably perform maintenance and repairs in remote places under harsh conditions will help mitigate this challenge—minimising operational downtime and effectively bolstering national security.
Our expeditionary solution
With its containerised, ruggedised design, the XSPEE3D printer is easily deployed—and its ability to manufacture cast-equivalent metal parts in remote locations has enabled defence organisations and the equipment manufacturers that support them to effectively reduce operational disruption.
Our Expeditionary Manufacturing Unit (EMU) pairs the XSPEE3D with our SPEE3DCell post-processing and testing unit—a fully equipped shop that includes a heat treatment furnace, CNC three-axis mill, tooling, and testing equipment.
It’s an all-in-one metal additive manufacturing solution that eliminates the need for dangerous lasers or inert gases and can be operated with no prior expertise with additive manufacturing technology.
The challenge
SALVEX participants will be tasked with “saving” the U.S.S. Tarawa, which will be purposely destroyed at sea and towed back to port.
Navy reservists will be trained to operate the EMU and validate its ability to perform hull, mechanical, and electrical maintenance and repairs on demand.
The challenge will not only put the power of the EMU to the test—but will also test our ability to further expand our cold spray additive manufacturing technology (CSAM) capabilities for the maritime industry.
Our recent work with Nickel Aluminium Bronze—a common maritime material—is helping us better serve customers at sea, where corrosion is a constant threat.
The EMU’s success at SALVEX will serve as a critical milestone for these collective efforts and give defence customers a reliable way to operate confidently and independently in any environment.
Ready to learn more?
Email us at contact@speed.com to arrange a demonstration.