Royal Australian Navy Armidale-class patrol boat HMAS Larrakia at anchor in Port Moresby during APEC 2018. Photo by Chief Petty Officer Cameron Martin.

Navy to deploy ship-spare-parts 3-D printer

21/11/201925/02/2020 Posted by Brian Hartigan 2492 Views 0 Comments

Cutting-edge 3D printing technology developed in Darwin will be deployed by the Royal Australian Navy in a world-first trial that will streamline the maintenance of patrol vessels.

Example of a camlock firehose fitting printed for the Navy – took 24.4 minutes and cost $66. — *Example of a camlock firehose fitting printed for Navy – took 24.4 minutes and cost $66.*

FILE PHOTO (November 2018): Royal Australian Navy Armidale-class patrol boat HMAS Larrakia at anchor in Port Moresby during APEC 2018. Photo by Chief Petty Officer Cameron Martin.

A $1.5 million investment in the two-year Supersonic Deposition 3D (SPEE3D) printer pilot is hoped to lead to a significant increase of parts availability compared to the regular supply chain.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price congratulated the Charles Darwin University’s Advanced Manufacturing Alliance, along with industry partner SPEE3D, for producing the uniquely Australian capability.

“This high-tech machinery enables metal components to be produced quickly and efficiently, meaning our ships can get back on the water without delay,” Minister Price said.

“Benefiting both the Navy and industry, the knowledge transfer gained using this capability also positions the Advanced Manufacturing Alliance to pursue further opportunities.

“This capability is a prime example of Australian innovation at its best.”

Minister Price visited Charles Darwin University as part of a wider visit to Darwin this week to inspect work underway under the $1.1 billion defence infrastructure upgrades in the Top End.

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