Japanese military invests in WarpSPEE3D and XSPEE3D printers

SPEE3D has partnered with the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) to introduce its innovative cold spray additive manufacturing (CSAM) technology to Japan. This contract with the Japan Ministry of Defence marks a significant milestone as the company continues to expand into the Asia-Pacific region.

The Japanese Self Defence Force is to receive a WarpSPEE3D and an XSPEE3D. WarpSPEE3D is SPEE3D’s first large-format metal 3D printer – able to produce large metal parts quickly in minutes or hours, and offering a more cost-effective and scalable solution compared to traditional manufacturing methods. The XSPEE3D offers a robust, deployable metal additive manufacturing capability with SPEE3D’s patented cold spray 3D printing technology, and auxiliary equipment integrated within one containerized shipping container unit. These systems offer industries operating remotely, such as defense, the opportunity to build metal parts on-site and on-demand.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to expand our presence into Japan and the APAC region. It is indeed an honor to collaborate with the Japanese military. Our aim is to train and prepare their forces to use the XSPEE3D printer in the field to address their most urgent supply chain issues through quickly manufactured on-demand parts,” said Byron Kennedy CEO of SPEE3D.

SPEE3D technology has already been utilized by various defense forces worldwide, including in field trials by the Australian, US, and UK militaries. Japan’s defense forces now possess the unique capability to manufacture critical replacement parts, on demand, in a wide range of materials including but not limited to Aluminium 6061, Aluminium Bronze, Copper, and Stainless Steel.

As part of the partnership, SPEE3D will provide the JGSDF with comprehensive training, support, and maintenance for both WarpSPEE3D and XSPEE3D. This includes field exercise programs with the XSPEE3D, ensuring that Japan’s forces are well-equipped to fully utilize the potential of this technology when in the field and on base.

This partnership with the JGDSF signifies how SPEE3D technology continues to offer the defense industry a reliable metal manufacturing capability to further strengthen existing supply chains in the field, or on base. Very recently, the US Naval Post Graduate School acquired an XSPEE3D to accelerate the adoption of metal-based additive manufacturing to support of the US Tri-Service Maritime forces.