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The US Navy has chosen SPEE3D’s metal cold spray additive manufacturing (CSAM) technology to develop materials as part of a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) project related to Expeditionary Maintenance and Sustainment that achieve Submarine Safety Program (SUBSAFE) quality standards.
SPEE3D has been subcontracted through the Applied Research Laboratory of the Pennsylvania State University (ARL/PSU), a leading NAVSEA partner in cold spray technology development and transition.
The partnership marks the first time a cold spray additive manufacturing technology will be investigated as a manufacturing method for SUBSAFE-compliant applications. Working together, the US Navy, ARL/PSU, and SPEE3D will develop a new method to rapidly manufacture existing parts for use in critical submarine systems.
SUBSAFE is a US Navy quality assurance program designed to ensure the safety of its submarine fleet. All work done and materials used on those systems are tightly controlled to ensure the material used in their assembly and the methods of assembly, maintenance, and testing are correct. The US Navy and ARL/PSU are investigating SPEE3D’s CSAM technology to determine if it meets the rigorous engineering, quality, and safety requirements with the benefit of rapid part production.
According to SPEE3D, its capabilities mean that submarine parts could be manufactured in hours instead of months with a proven technology that has been tested extensively by the US, UK, and Australian militaries. In addition, SPEE3D is platform-agnostic and can manufacture a variety of metals, including aluminium 6061, aluminium bronze, and copper.
“We are honored to be chosen and trusted by the US Navy to participate in this groundbreaking project,” said Steven Camilleri, SPEE3D Co-Founder and CTO. “We have worked successfully with the US Navy in the past and understand the unique challenges they face with the need for manufacturing capabilities that are fast, reliable, and easily deployable.”
