SPEE3D Picked by US Navy to Develop Submarine Materials

SPEE3D, a metal additive manufacturing company, announced that the US Navy has chosen its metal cold spray additive manufacturing (CSAM) technology to develop materials as a part of a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) project related to Expeditionary Maintenance and Sustainment that achieve Submarine Safety Program (SUBSAFE) quality standards. SPEE3D was subcontracted through the Applied Research Laboratory of the Pennsylvania State University (ARL/PSU), a 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 submarine systems.

SUBSAFE is a U.S. Navy quality assurance program designed to ensure the safety of its submarine fleet. All work done and materials used on those systems are 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 rapid part production.

With SPEE3D’s capabilities, submarine parts could be manufactured in hours instead of months with a technology that has been tested extensively by the US, UK and Australian militaries. In addition, SPEE3D is platform-agnostic and can manufacture various metals, including aluminum 6061, aluminum bronze and copper.

“We are honored to be chosen and trusted by the U.S. Navy to participate in this groundbreaking project,” says Steven Camilleri, co-founder and chief techincal officer at SPEE3D. “We have worked successfully with the U.S. Navy in the past and understand the unique challenges they face with the need for manufacturing capabilities that are fast, reliable and easily deployable.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.