Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? Check out what we get asked the most below.
Below find commonly asked questions covering SPEE3D’s technology, products, and services.
Didn’t find the answer you were looking for? If not, please feel free to reach out and connect with a friendly SPEE3D expert in your region.
SPEE3D machines have been tested and qualified for the following materials:
- Aluminium 6061
- Aluminium Bronze
- Copper
- Stainless Steel 316
- Nickel Aluminium Bronze – coming in June 2024
The new Phaser nozzle allows even hardier materials to be printed including:
- Copper Nickel Alloys (in development)
- Titanium (in development)
- Chromium carbide-nickel (coming soon)
- Tungsten carbide-nickel chrome (coming soon)
- 17-4 stainless steel (coming soon)
The following materials have been deposited but require more research:
- 410 stainless steel (deposited)
- 430 stainless steel (deposited)
- duplex stainless steel (deposited)
- Aluminium 5056 (deposited)
- Aluminium 7075 (deposited)
More information on our materials, along with detailed materials sheets for our qualified materials can be found here.
XSPEE3D is the same size as a standard 20ft container and because its auxiliary equipment is included within the container, the clearance required around to operate it is minimal: 6.2m x 2.6m x 2.6m (20ft x 9ft x 9ft).
WarpSPEE3D has a recommended clearance of at least 1m from any wall. The machine footprint is 4m (13.5ft) long x 4.6m (14.9ft) wide x 2.7m (9ft) high.
LightSPEE3D has a recommended clearance of at least 1m from any wall. The machine footprint is 3.1m (10.3ft) long by 1.5m (4.8ft) wide and 2.3m (7.6ft) high.
SPEE3Dcell, is roughly the same size as a standard 20ft container and because furnace, CNC, tooling, and testing equipment is included within the container, the clearance required around to operate it is minimal: 6.2m x 2.6m x 2.6m (20ft x 9ft x 9ft).
Download our tech specs here.
The size of parts is dependent on the model:
WarpSPEE3D allows metal parts up to about Ø1m x 0.7m /Ø40” x 30” in diameter and 40kg (88lbs) in weight.
XSPEE3D is similar, manufacture metal parts up to about Ø0.9m x 0.7m/Ø35″ x 30″ in diameter and 40kg (88lbs) in weight.
LightSPEE3D is our the smallest model, it is possible to manufacture metal parts about to Ø350 x 300mm/Ø13” x 11” in diameter and 5kg (11lbs) in weight.
Yes, SPEE3D offers high-quality powders that deliver exceptional performance and durability. Our materials undergo rigorous testing to ensure consistent, reliable results for our customers when creating parts with our technology. Customers can get in touch with the SPEE3D team member in their region for more information on the powder provided and ordering.
What post-processing is required and do you supply this equipment?
Yes, if there is a mechanical application for the part, it will need heat treatment. Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing (CSAM) is a solid-state process meaning parts are printed full-density and they don’t have the porosity you see as the result of some other processes; however, it is recommended to post-process the part rather than leaving it in its ‘as printed’ raw state to improve the material’s toughness. Heat treatment usually requires two-three hours in a furnace. Post processes such as milling, surfacing, or polishing are optional and depend on the application, however typically parts will need to be machined to meet engineering tolerances. SPEE3D offers a containerized solution for post-processing called SPEE3Dcell which contains a furnace and CNC-mill within a 20ft container. For information on the SPEE3Dcell, visit this page.
No; unlike some other metal additive manufacturing processes, Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing (CSAM) doesn’t require lasers, electron beams or any heating or melting of metal.
Rather than using heat to melt metal powders, SPEE3D uses supersonic deposition in which a rocket nozzle accelerates air up to three times the speed of sound. Injected powders are deposited onto a substrate that is attached to a six-axis robotic arm. In this process the sheer kinetic energy of the particles causes the powders to bind together to form a high-density part with normal metallurgical properties. Read more about our process here.
No, XSPEE3D was specifically developed for deployability, while LightSPEE3D and WarpSPEE3D were designed for the shop floor. We recommend getting in touch with a SPEE3D team member in your region to discuss your specific equipment requirements and Advanced Manufacturing needs.