AML3D has announced a purchase contract with BAE Systems Australia to investigate the feasibility and prototyping of components to support the Hunter class frigate program.
"While the financial value of this particular purchase contract is not material, it represents an expansion of our strategic partnership in order to meet BAE Systems Australia’s existing and future requirements around additive manufacturing for the Hunter Class Frigate Program. The prototype components intend to offer higher strength properties while providing an alternative to traditionally cast items for future builds," the company said in a statement.
AML3D is the world’s first large-scale 3D metal printing company to be accredited by Lloyd’s Register and to secure Additive Manufacturing Facility Accreditation from DNV.
The purchase contract for prototype Hunter class components follows a commercial validation testing program, initiated in October 2020. The validation testing demonstrated that AML3D’s WAM technology could minimise lead-times and meet BAE Systems Australia’s internal standards for additive manufactured components.
“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," Ryan Millar, AML3D’s Chief Executive Officer said. "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.”