SPEE3D's technology is helping to move industry business structures from a costly 'ordering-warehousing' model to a faster and more efficient 'print-on-demand' scenario.

The new 3D printing technology developed by SPEE3D uses a novel new metal deposition technique, relying on kinetic energy from a rocket engine rather than thermal energy from a laser to promote the bonding of metal particles. The new process allows parts to be formed faster than traditional 3D printing allows, and at low cost.

The technology can operate around 1,000 times the speed of conventional metal 3D printing at a fraction of the cost and has the potential to revolutionise industrial activities in remote areas by allowing onsite metal part production and removing the costly delays involved with sourcing materials from far afield.

The speed in SPEE3D technology comes from a unique method of cold spray metal deposition that has roots in the military.

Using supersonic gas jets to speeds of up to 1,000 metres per second, cold spray deposition relies on accelerating solid powders; the sheer kinetic energy of the particles causes the powders to deform and adhere to the substrate. SP3D or 'supersonic 3D deposition' is what SPEE3D calls its adaptation of the process.

With a rocket nozzle, the SP3D process accelerates air up to three times the speed of sound, while injected powders are deposited onto a substrate that is attached to a six-axis robotic arm for increased mobility.

Leveraging this supersonic capability, SP3D doesn't need heat or other processes that change the properties of the metal powder. This means a rapid deposition of metal, without melting, making the printing process not only extremely fast, but also more energy efficient than traditional manufacturing such as metal.

This makes it a game changer.