SPEE3D prints 11 metal parts in maritime conditions

The 3D printing tests were conducted during Rim of the Pacific maritime exercise

SPEE3D, australian leader in metal 3D printing, announced the successful completion of its participation in the Trident Warrior exercises, part of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) – the world's largest international maritime exercise. During these exercises at the Marine Corps Air Station in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, SPEE3D deployed its mobile manufacturing solution, the Expeditionary Manufacturing Unit (EMU). This unit successfully 3D-printed 11 metal replacement parts made of aluminum and stainless steel, which will be studied for their material properties and suitability for repairing military equipment in challenging conditions.

The primary goal of SPEE3D's participation was to demonstrate that 3D printing can drastically reduce the delivery time of critical parts from several days to just a few hours, which is crucial for maintaining operational continuity in crisis situations. The exercise involved collaboration with engineers from the Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education (CAMRE), who tested the replacement parts for various branches of the U.S. armed forces.

SPEE3D's EMU system is a comprehensive solution that includes the XSPEE3D mobile 3D printer and a unit for processing and testing printed parts. This system enables the production of metal parts in just a few hours, minimizing downtime and costs associated with equipment failures.

RIMPAC, which involved around 29 nations and over 25,000 personnel, provided a unique opportunity for training and advancing international cooperation in advanced manufacturing technologies.