Metal 3D printing company SPEE3D rounded the year off with the successful manufacture of metal parts in sub-zero environments. Its XSPEE3D printer was tested as part of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) point-of-need manufacturing challenge along with partners from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) COMET Project and Philips Federal.
It helped to produce parts with comparable material properties to the same parts produced in a laboratory environment.
As a reminder, SPEE3D’s Cold Spray Metal Additive Manufacturing (CSAM) equipment has demonstrated its viability for applications in the military industry.
“The positive results of the Point of Need Challenge demonstrate that the XSPEE3D can print metal parts from anywhere – and in any weather conditions – with the same successful outcomes,” said Byron Kennedy, CEO of SPEE3D. “Previously, we partnered with the Australian Army and showed that our technology can print parts in the extremely hot, rugged Australian bush. Now, we’re proving that we can also successfully print parts in the coldest of environments, helping to support the DOD’s goal of expanding manufacturing capabilities in austere environments.”
The cold-weather manufacturing challenge
The US Army’s Cold Region’s Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) hosted the PON challenge in Hanover, New Hampshire in late 2023. The program showcased technologies that will keep service members combat-effective in extreme temperatures and exhibited systems that can be deployed in a cold weather environment. These systems close supply chain gaps and enable warfighters to manufacture and use critical equipment on demand in the harshest environments, a press release reads.
Read more: Why is AM a good production candidate for expeditionary manufacturing? Phillips Corporation told us.
“The Point of Need challenge winners have proven to be champions of research and innovation and are helping drive the United States military’s technological advantage through the latest in advanced materials and manufacturing process technologies,” said Noel Mack, Chief Technology Officer, LIFT. Through SPEE3D’s innovative work, they have proven that not only does the technology to support the warfighter exists, but it can be placed closer to where they need it to achieve their missions successfully.”
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