According to a press release published by A3D on July 28, 2021, the firm is pleased to announce its engagement with BAE Systems Maritime Australia to print trial marine components for commercial evaluation for its Hunter Class Frigate Program (HCFP).
BAE Systems Maritime Australia's Research & Technology group is investigating large-scale metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) as a technology for future adoption. A3D has been identified as a possible provide of Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) technology to the HCFP.
The company aims to prove its technical and commercial viability for the project by producing 3D stainless steel printed components suitable for servicing the build of nine Future Frigates in Australia for the Royal Australian Navy.
A3D and BAE Systems Maritime Australia have agreed to initial investigate test printing as part of the Project's staged evaluation approach to identifying locally available AM processes and their benefits.
The component selected for testing is currently produced with traditional manufacturing. A3D will review the part design and assess its optimized potential within the PBF process for maritime application. MORE
