Introduces TitanSPEE3D large format metal 3D printer; able to print up to 4,400 pounds.

Joining the ranks of SPEE3D's innovative additive manufacturing lineup, the company will soon unveil TitanSPEE3D, a large-format metal 3D printer engineered to produce heavy, high-quality metal parts quickly and cost-effectively.

The rapid and highly effective additive manufacturing capabilities of Australia-based SPEE3D's metal 3D printing technology has grabbed the attention of governments.

Utilizing a patented cold-spray process that has been reported to be 100 to 1,000 times faster than conventional metal 3D printing techniques, SPEE3D printers offer an affordable process to produce quality parts in minutes, from anywhere.

What sets this company's metal 3D printers apart from the rest is its "supersonic 3D deposition" technology.

Rather than use heat to melt metal powders, this patented process accelerates air up to three times the speed of sound through a rocket nozzle, through which metal powders are injected then deposited onto a substrate maneuvered by a six-axis robotic arm.

The sheer kinetic energy of the particles hitting each other causes the powder to bind together and form a high-density component with metallurgical properties superior to casting.

This ingenious cold spray additive manufacturing (CSAM) technology has demonstrated an ability to perform whenever and wherever it's needed. While dozens of methods are continuing to be refined and adopted, CSAM has moved directly into the realm of application – and on a large scale.

Already available in SPEE3D's portfolio is the original XSPEE3D portable printer, which can be powered up and ready to fabricate immediately in remote locations and even harsh environments or conditions; WarpSPEE3D, its earlier rendition of a large-format printer capable of fabricating parts up to 88 pounds (40 kilograms); and LightSPEE3D, its smallest printer model.

TitanSPEE3D takes what WarpSPEE3D could do up to an entirely different level.

With a build volume of 2.4 meters diameter by one-meter tall, on a 4.3- by 4.3-meter floor area footprint, TitanSPEE3D can print metal objects weighing up to 4,400 lb (2,000 kg).

Why so big?

From defense to heavy manufacturing, many industries currently rely on cast molding to produce large, high-quality metal parts – a technique that has been a part of civilization for millennia.

Despite such a legacy, modern industry leaders have continued to struggle with its limitations.

Because the mold for each individual part must be customized, the initial cost of the process tends to be high, especially for more complex designs. And, because the molds must be created before production can begin, lead times often take weeks, or even months.

Further, cast molding is typically unfit for large-scale production, which can lead to inconsistencies in quality and dimensions.

TitanSPEE3D is the solution to these challenges. It will not only enable manufacturers to print quality, durable metal quickly, but also sustainably and cost-effectively as well.

TitanSPEE3D will be capable of printing up to 4,000 lb:

• Heavy machinery components: Parts for industrial equipment, mining machinery, and construction vehicles.

• Marine components: Ship propellers, large hull components, and marine engine parts.

• Aerospace components: Large engine casings and structural components for aircraft.

• Energy sector components: Parts for turbines, generators, and other equipment used in power plants.

• Automotive components: Engine blocks and other large automotive parts.

These parts are often produced using casting methods like sand casting, investment casting, or die casting, depending on the material and design requirements.

With a printer that can rapidly blast out metal to shape, components from these sectors may see a drastic change in production timelines, but also reduction in all aspects from energy to materials.