BAE Systems Maritime Australia has tapped Wire Additive Manufacturing (WAM) developer AML3D to deliver prototype parts to support the manufacturing of nine Hunter class frigates.
BAE Systems recently secured a contract with the Australian Department of Defence to build the Hunter class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy.
The AML3D components are expected to deliver higher strength properties while providing an alternative to traditionally cast items for future builds, the additive manufacturing company said in an ASX announcement.
The prototype parts are slated for delivery in the last quarter of 2022.
The company also highlighted that this purchase contract with BAE reflects AML3D’s progress in delivering its strategy to establish and expand relationships across the marine and defence sectors.
The Hunter class frigates contract follows a commercial validation testing, which proved that AML3D’s WAM technology is a cost-effective manufacturing solution with the potential to minimise lead times and meet BAE Systems Australia’s internal standards for additive manufactured components.
The validation testing, which began in October 2020, demonstrated WAM tech’s capability to support the continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment sovereign capability as laid out in the federal government’s Naval Shipbuilding Plan.
“Developing our commercial relationships across the marine and defence sectors are key to AML3D’s strategic growth plan. We had great confidence that WAM would satisfy BAE Systems Australia’s testing protocols and are pleased to have successfully moved this project out of the validation testing phase,” said Ryan Millar, AML3D’s chief executive officer.
“Providing prototype components that will support BAE Systems Australia’s contract with the Royal Australian Navy to build the Hunter class frigates is another step in building a commercial relationship of great significance. Especially in the context of the scale of BAE Systems Australia’s wider shipbuilding initiatives in Australia,” he added.
AML3D is a leading provider of certified high-strength components to the marine industry— being the world’s first large-scale 3D metal printing company accredited by Lloyd’s Register, and the first to secure Additive Manufacturing Facility Accreditation from DNV.
