SPEE3D Unveils Titan SPEE3D: A New Era in Large-Format Metal 3D Printing

In a recent interview with Sanjay Gangal of MCADCafe, Byron Kennedy, CEO of SPEE3D, shared exciting developments about the company’s latest innovation: the Titan SPEE3D. This large-format metal 3D printer represents a significant leap forward in SPEE3D’s cold spray additive manufacturing technology, enabling the production of much larger and heavier metal parts than previously possible.

Titan SPEE3D: Scaling Up Cold Spray Technology

The Titan SPEE3D is a groundbreaking addition to SPEE3D’s product lineup, designed to address the increasing demand for larger and more robust metal parts. According to Kennedy, the new printer can produce parts weighing up to 5,000 kilograms and measuring up to 2.5 meters, making it suitable for applications in the maritime and defense sectors. This development is a direct response to customer requests for the ability to manufacture larger components, such as those needed for ships and submarines.

“Our new printer, Titan SPEE3D, has just been released this week,” said Kennedy. “It uses our cold spray deposition technology and is now scaling up. To date, we’ve been building parts up to luggage size, but the new system allows us to create much larger parts, some weighing up to 5,000 kilograms.”

Advancing Military Applications

SPEE3D’s technology has already been deployed by various defense forces, including the British Army. The company’s collaboration with military organizations has provided valuable feedback, driving further advancements in their technology. One of the significant innovations is the development of a two-container system that includes not only the 3D printer but also equipment for heat treating, machining, and testing.

“We’ve worked with the military since 2019, and they’ve given us feedback that they need more than just a 3D printer in the field,” explained Kennedy. “They need to be able to print, heat treat, machine, and test parts on-site. Our two-container platform meets these needs, allowing for complete manufacturing solutions in the field.”

This comprehensive solution ensures that soldiers can produce and verify parts on-site, providing greater operational flexibility and reducing downtime for critical equipment.

Commercial Applications and Nickel Aluminum Bronze

Beyond military applications, SPEE3D’s technology is finding significant commercial use. Industries such as mining, oil and gas, and maritime operations face similar challenges in remote locations where downtime can be extremely costly. The ability to produce parts on-site quickly can result in substantial savings and operational efficiencies.

Kennedy highlighted a new material innovation with nickel aluminum bronze, a highly corrosion-resistant alloy particularly useful in marine environments. “Nickel aluminum bronze is our latest material, ideal for marine applications due to its corrosion resistance, especially in seawater. It’s used in conventional manufacturing but has been challenging to produce with traditional 3D printing methods. Our technology handles it very well, making it a game-changer for the marine sector.”

Expeditionary Manufacturing Unit (EMU)

One of SPEE3D’s notable innovations is the Expeditionary Manufacturing Unit (EMU), a mobile solution designed to produce large metal parts on-site. The EMU consists of two 20-foot shipping containers: one for the printing process and the other for post-processing activities like heat treating and machining. This mobile unit is particularly beneficial for defense and commercial sectors that operate in remote or challenging environments.

“The EMU allows us to build parts in the field and ensure they meet the required standards,” said Kennedy. “Soldiers can design, print, machine, and test parts on-site, giving them the confidence that the parts will perform as needed in the field.”

Robust and Portable Solutions

Developing a versatile and portable system like the EMU posed several challenges. Ensuring the robustness and reliability of the system in harsh environments was paramount. SPEE3D’s solutions are designed to withstand the rigors of military use, including transportation through difficult terrains.

“Our systems need to be robust and strong enough to survive whatever the defense forces put them through,” Kennedy emphasized. “They must be able to handle long, bumpy transports and still perform reliably when they reach their destination.”

Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing (CAM) Technology

At the heart of SPEE3D’s innovation is its cold spray additive manufacturing (CAM) technology. CAM involves firing metal powder at supersonic speeds, causing the particles to adhere and form a solid part. This method allows for rapid production of large metal components with excellent material properties.

“Cold spray is like firing metal powder at three times the speed of sound,” Kennedy explained. “When the particles hit a surface, they stick, much like a bug hitting a windshield. This allows us to build parts quickly and efficiently. Our new Titan SPEE3D can produce a 90-kilogram part in about 25 hours, which is significantly faster than traditional methods.”

Future Prospects and Industry Presence

Looking ahead, SPEE3D is poised to make significant impacts across various industries. Their participation in key industry events, such as the Rapid + TCT conference, showcases their latest advancements and demonstrates the capabilities of their technology to a broader audience.

“We’ll be displaying our WarpSPEE3D printer at the Rapid + TCT show, where we’ll be printing parts in real-time,” Kennedy said. “It’s a great opportunity for people to see our technology in action and understand the speed and efficiency we offer.”

Personal Insights

Beyond his professional achievements, Byron Kennedy shared some personal insights during the interview. An avid golfer, Kennedy makes time to enjoy the sport even during his business trips. He also spoke about his love for traveling, with recent trips to the picturesque Fraser Island in Australia.

Conclusion

SPEE3D’s innovative approach to cold spray additive manufacturing is transforming the landscape of metal 3D printing. With the introduction of the Titan SPEE3D and the Expeditionary Manufacturing Unit, the company is set to meet the growing demands for larger, more robust metal parts across military and commercial sectors. Byron Kennedy’s vision and leadership continue to drive SPEE3D’s advancements, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the industry.

For more information about SPEE3D and their groundbreaking technology, visit spee3d.com.

Tags: 3D Printers, Titan SPEE3D

Category: Spee3D

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