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SPEE3D’s Technology to Support Ukrainian Military Operations
Recently, Steven Camilleri, the co-founder of SPEE3D and key members of the team were in Jasionka, Poland, where they had the opportunity to train Ukrainian military personnel on how to successfully operate our deployable, metal 3D printers in the field.
The U.S. Department of Defence via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative are to provide Ukraine with seven of our WarpSPEE3D printers. These machines will be deployed near the frontlines, with a primary focus on the rapid production of critical repair parts for a variety of armoured platforms and aging military equipment systems. Making Ukraine the latest defence force to use SPEE3D technology to produce critical replacement “parts of consequence” in the field at the point of need.
“We’re focused on giving Ukrainian soldiers resources to fortify the maintenance and repair capabilities when and where it counts most ... 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.”
Chris Harris, VP of Defence for SPEE3D
For example, during Project Convergence 2022, our WarpSPEE3D showcased how our patented cold-spray technology can effectively support military supply chains. In the harsh desert conditions, of Fort Irwin, the SPEE3D and British Army team used WarpSPEE3D to print an M109 specialist tool at the request of the US Army. This specialist tool was able to be designed in just 9 minutes. It was then printed in 30 minutes and heat-treated in just under two hours all while in the field. Ready for use in as little as 3 hours. Our partnership with the British Army represents SPEE3D’s commitment to enhancing the supply chain operations of defence forces globally with advanced manufacturing technology (AM).
SPEE3D’s deployable metal 3D printers are WarpSPEE3D and XSPEE3D. Both printers utilize patented cold-spray additive manufacturing (CSAM) technology, specifically suited for frontline environments, as it does not rely on lasers or gases. Instead, it utilizes kinetic energy to bond metal particles together, resulting in the creation of the final part. This unique method means our WarpSPEE3D and XSPEE3D printers are exceptionally fast, energy-efficient, and capable of producing large parts of up to 1 meter in diameter or weighing up to 40kg, all while working with various metals. The XSPEE3D was specifically engineered for military use, developed in partnership with the Australian Army during their groundbreaking metal 3D printing field trials in 2020 and 2021.
Over a span of 15 days, the soldiers underwent rigorous training that covered a wide array of topics, from engineering design theory and risk management processes to metallurgy and printer operation.
“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 …. 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 theater.”
Calum Stewart, Director of Defense Programs, EMEA
We and the Department of Defense will train soldiers to maintain and repair military equipment and salvage machinery. As a result, military personnel will now have the ability to print parts of consequence, large and small, that could otherwise halt an advance or cripple an operation. Deployable metal 3D printers can fabricate damaged parts quickly with our proprietary and patented cold spray additive manufacturing (CSAM) technology.
We have collaborated in the past with the Japanese, US and UK Defence Forces, who have acquired our technology and participated in various land, and sea field trials – REPTX. Later this year, the technology will also be trialed by the US Army for the DoD Point of Need Challenge. The deployment of our printers in Ukraine is expected to leverage the military readiness of the Ukraine Defence Forces supply chain.
You can read more details as well in this exclusive interview featuring SPEE3D’s Director of European Defence Programmes, Calum Stewart, about SPEE3D’s role in supporting Ukraine’s war efforts, and what was involved in the nine-stage engineering process training curriculum delivered to Ukrainian soldiers.
How we can help:
To find out about more about how our technology is impacting Defence, to learn more about SPEE3D’s products, SPEE3D’s upcoming events, and cold spray, or to just find out more about metal additive manufacturing, feel free to email us at contact@SPEE3D.com or call us:
Australia: +61 (03) 8759 1464 | USA: +1 877-908-9369 | Europe: + 44 (808) 196-2931 | UK: 808-196-2931
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