AML3D secures fresh additive manufacturing contracts in aerospace and energy sectors
The combined value of AML3D’s new contracts is about $100,000.
AML3D (ASX: AL3) has secured two new customer purchase contracts within the defence aerospace and energy sectors.
Earlier today, AML3D confirmed that the newly signed purchase contracts are valued at around $100,000 in total.
AML3D is tasked with producing a set of bespoke metal 3D printed components including a nozzle for a defence contractor and a plunger for an oil and gas customer.
The printed components are due to be delivered in Q3 2022 with AML3D expecting “future commercial flow-on benefits” over time.
Both purchase contracts were signed on “standard commercial terms” and will utilise AML3D’s patented wire additive manufacturing (WAM) process.
As part of the deal, all manufactured components will undergo customer assessment, inspection and testing for their mechanical properties, internal soundness and to assess AML3D’s ability to produce in accordance with customer specifications.
WAM evolution
AML3D’s WAM process includes the use of welding science, robotics automation, materials engineering and proprietary software to support “smarter, leaner and greener manufacturing”.
The company says its proprietary process is more cost-effective and wields increased strength compared to traditional casting, forging or billet machining methods.
Moreover, AML3D said the nature and scope of these new contracts are “strategically important” to the company and that it expects to produce further components in the near-to-medium term.
The additive company uses an extensive array of metals and alloys including aluminium, titanium, nickel alloys and steel to fabricate parts using WAM and its ARCEMY print module.
ARCEMY is a medium-to-large scale metal 3D printer combining welding science, robotics automation, materials engineering and proprietary software to form the overarching WAM process.
The ARCEMY system produces parts “smartly”, by depositing molten wire layer by layer, in a controlled manner, thereby challenging traditional manufacturing techniques.
Furthermore, ARCEMY’s approach to metal 3D printing utilises the Internet of Things which enables the potential application of artificial intelligence, and therefore, the growth of smart Industry 4.0 manufacturing facilities.
Contract specifics
In aerospace defence, AML3D has agreed to manufacture a 500kg 2m nozzle consisting of four segments and using its Aluminimum ER5183 product. Given the terms of the contract, the manufacturing process will be conducted in South Australia with around seven days specified as the approximate machining time.
For its oil and gas customer, AML3D will produce the world’s first 3D-printed “pure titanium plunger” – the first of its kind – to be used in a forthcoming processing plant. According to AML3D, the pure titanium part is completely resistant to rust and able to withstand high pressures.
As a validatory sign of its technology and products, the American Petroleum Institute recently approved the API 20S additive manufacturing standard: a standardised benchmark applicable globally within the oil and gas sector and applied in 3D printing.
“While the markets we service are largely evolving, the increasing interest in our offering and eagerness of customers to validate the process bodes well for our future success,” AML3D managing director Andrew Sales said.
“These contracts are the culmination of months of technical engineering discussions and provide a valuable base from which we will build future recurring revenue streams.
“We also anticipate that once these new customers test the capability of our parts, the opportunity to print further parts will be a logical next step,” Mr Sales added.