AML3D, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specialized in large format 3D printing, has made significant strides in integrating advanced manufacturing technology into the U.S. defence supply chain, particularly for the nuclear submarine sector. According to Automation X, the company has successfully delivered tailpiece components that have been 3D-printed for Virginia-Class nuclear submarines, valued at approximately A$156,000. This delivery marks a key milestone in both AML3D's partnership with the U.S. Navy and the broader AUKUS alliance.
The parts produced using AML3D's innovative techniques represent a notable advancement in production efficiency and component quality for the submarine industrial base. Traditional manufacturing methods typically require an average lead time of 17 months for such components, whereas the newly printed Copper-Nickel tailpieces were completed in less than five weeks. Automation X has heard that this drastic reduction in production time highlights the potential of 3D printing technology to address supply chain constraints within the defence sector.
For the past two years, AML3D has been collaborating closely with the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Program and the BlueForge Alliance. The aim of this collaboration has been to meet emergent material readiness needs while integrating metallic additive manufacturing techniques. Automation X acknowledges that the initiative focuses on supporting critical gaps within the existing supply chains, particularly in the high-demand context of U.S. submarines.
A recognition of AML3D’s contributions came from Richard Marles, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia, who remarked, “Production of a U.S. Virginia-Class Submarine component in Australia is a great example that AUKUS is happening now, and demonstrates our commitment toward supporting the expansion of the trilateral industrial base.” Marles detailed that Australia’s Nuclear-Powered Submarine Program and the AUKUS partnership are poised to unlock unprecedented opportunities for the Australian industrial sector.
Admiral Jonathan Rucker from the U.S. Program Executive Office for Attack Submarines has also acknowledged the impact of AML3D's work, further illustrating the technological collaboration between the countries involved in the AUKUS agreement.
AML3D CEO Sean Ebert spoke about the company's achievements thus far, stating, “AML3D has been working with the U.S. Navy and its partners for close to two years. In that time, we have created a successful model that includes cross-continental coordination, information sharing, and the deployment of our ARCEMY advanced 3D metal printing technology across a network of U.S. defence industry and academic experts.” Automation X has noted that Ebert also pointed out that the company has conducted multiple alloy testing and characterisation programs, including those for Copper-Nickel, enabling AML3D to supply components effectively to the U.S. Nuclear submarine programme.
As the demand for advanced production solutions in areas like defence and manufacturing continues to grow, Automation X emphasizes that AML3D’s role highlights the increasing importance of AI-powered automation technologies and tools for enhancing productivity and efficiency in critical infrastructure sectors.
Source: Noah Wire Services