The company launched its newest printer in Australia, the PX100 Binder Jetting solution, following last year’s acquisition of Digital Metal to deliver high-grade metal parts at scale.
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The launch of the PX100 Binder Jetting solution printer in Australia will enable businesses to print metal parts, with a variety of metals, in large volumes.
Already, the company’s printers are used in the automotive industry, academia, as well as other industries.
By having such metal printing in-house, Richard Elving, senior director Australia, Markforged, explained that businesses can de-risk themselves from supply chain shocks.
“We are excited to announce the launch of the PX100 Binder Jetting system, a game-changing technology that will revolutionise high-volume metal production in Australian manufacturing,” Elving explained.
“With this innovative solution, our customers can eliminate third-party supplier risks and costs, insource critical production runs, and build large quantities of discrete or customised parts with precision and reliability.
“We are confident that this technology will empower our customers to become industry leaders in Australian manufacturing," said Elving.
Earlier in the month, a Markforged printer was installed upon the USS New Hampshire, with the US Navy explaining that the additive manufacturing opportunities supported “outside the box thinking” for sustainment.
The US Navy has welcomed maintenance and sustainment opportunities offered by additive manufacturing products, explaining the capability supported “maintaining forward deployment”.
The Markforged X7 field edition, originally installed on the USS New Hampshire — a Virginia Class attack submarine — in July enabled crew to undergo “self-sustainment” activities including allowing crews to repair items including pipe leaks and enclosures for new electronics.
The 3D printer is a polymer-based additive manufacturing system, which the US Navy explained can print high-durability reinforced nylon.
The capability was developed by the NAVSEA Additive Manufacturing Research and Development Program, with additional help from the US’ Naval Surface Warfare Center and NSWC Carderock, and Naval Undersea Warfare Center.
The capability did not require in person training, with crew able to train one another in using the platform.
According to Captain Bennet Christman, Commanding Officer of the USS New Hampshire, the device enables sailors to provide innovative solutions to sustaining defence equipment.
“3D printers provide the opportunity for creative problem-solving. These devices lower the barrier for component manufacturing, empowering sailors to take ownership of their repairs, and to think outside the box,” he said.
“Ingenuity and creative problem-solving are core to our history as a submarine force. Fostering these values will pay dividends in the way sailors approach all aspects of their jobs.”
The capability is hoped to enhance warfighting readiness and improve naval sustainment.
“The team continues to make progress and we have made significant strides in additive manufacturing that are proving to be very beneficial,” Rear Admiral Jason Lloyd, NAVSEA Chief Design, Integration and Naval Engineering, said.
“There is still a lot of work to do in the field, particularly the ubiquitous use of AM for metal construction and repairs.”