SPEE3D Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing Achieves Success in Sub-Zero Environments

SPEE3D, an innovative company specializing in Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing (CSAM), has successfully demonstrated that its XSPEE3D machine can operate effectively in sub-zero conditions, producing metal parts with material properties comparable to those made in controlled laboratory environments. This achievement highlights the machine’s robustness and its potential to meet the growing demand for advanced manufacturing solutions in extreme environments.

Collaboration with US Department of Defense for Cold-Weather Manufacturing
The successful trial was part of a collaborative effort between SPEE3D, the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) COMET Project, Philips Federal, and the US Department of Defense’s (DOD) Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Point of Need (PON) Challenge. Hosted by the US Army’s Cold Region’s Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, New Hampshire, the challenge focused on demonstrating technologies capable of supporting military operations in extreme cold-weather environments. The XSPEE3D machine’s successful performance in this trial proved its capability to manufacture critical components, such as battle damage repairs and large metal parts, on-demand in harsh cold conditions.

Versatility in Extreme Environments: Hot and Cold
SPEE3D’s Cold Spray technology has already proven its worth in extreme hot environments, having previously been tested with the Australian Army in the rugged Australian bush. Now, with the successful demonstration in sub-zero temperatures, the XSPEE3D machine has proven to be adaptable to a wide range of environmental conditions. This versatile technology can support military and industrial needs both in remote, cold regions and in harsh, hot climates, significantly reducing reliance on supply chains and enabling on-site manufacturing.

Impact on Military and Industrial Operations
The success of SPEE3D’s Cold Spray Metal Additive Manufacturing in extreme cold further supports the DOD’s goals of expanding expeditionary manufacturing capabilities. With its ability to produce high-quality parts on-demand in challenging environments, this technology can help close critical supply chain gaps, providing soldiers with the tools they need when they need them most. This capability is crucial for maintaining combat readiness in austere environments where traditional manufacturing infrastructure may be unavailable.

Byron Kennedy, CEO of SPEE3D, emphasized the importance of this success, stating that the XSPEE3D machine can now print metal parts anywhere, regardless of weather conditions, making it an invaluable tool for defense and industrial applications.

Future Prospects and Technological Innovation
As SPEE3D continues to expand the application of its Cold Spray technology, the company is positioning itself as a leader in the additive manufacturing sector, particularly for industries requiring fast, reliable manufacturing in remote locations. The success of this trial reinforces the viability of using additive manufacturing technologies to support critical operations in environments where traditional manufacturing methods would be unfeasible or too slow.

SPEE3D’s groundbreaking work in Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing not only supports the US military’s technological edge but also demonstrates the growing potential of on-site, on-demand manufacturing solutions in a wide range of industries.