Picture: SPEE3D
The Australian company SPEE3D has successfully demonstrated that its XSPEE3D technology for the additive manufacturing of metal parts also works efficiently in extremely cold environments.
As part of the “Point of Need Challenge” project organized by the US Department of Defense, SPEE3D was able to prove that the components produced in sub-arctic temperatures have material properties comparable to those in laboratory conditions. The aim of the project was to evaluate manufacturing technologies that can be used in extreme climates to repair components and produce large metal parts.
“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 project was carried out in collaboration with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) COMET project and Philips Federal and coordinated by the LIFT innovation platform in Detroit. The tests took place at the end of 2023 at the US Army’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, New Hampshire. The main aim was to demonstrate systems that can be used in the coldest climate zones as a manufacturing solution to close supply gaps. Especially in military scenarios, on-demand manufacturing of spare parts and critical components on site plays a crucial role.
“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.”
With the successful demonstration in extreme sub-zero temperatures, the XSPEE3D technology offers a practical solution for decentralized production in remote and challenging areas. It closes supply gaps and enables emergency services to manufacture the necessary components on site and keep them ready for use. In the future, this could be useful not only in the military sector, but also in civilian scenarios such as polar and Arctic research.
