Supersonic deposition blows away layer-by-layer approach to 3D printed metal

Rather than using heat to melt metal powders, SPEE3D’s patented technology uses supersonic deposition in which a rocket nozzle accelerates air up to three times the speed of sound to deliver manufacturing grade metal and high-density parts.

In doing so, the technology has shown that it can print a flywheel in 11 minutes and 38 seconds compared to the 20 hours it would take with traditional manufacturing. Similarly, results from SPEE3D have shown that a car part can be printed in 20 minutes for $30 instead of taking upwards of 100 hours for $3,000.

Byron Kennedy, CEO and co-founder of SPEE3D, told The Engineer that the underlying technology has been used for many years in the repair world, where metals such as titanium, Inconel, steel, stainless steel, copper, and tantalum are used.

He added that the large casting markets are showing a keen interest in the system and that the company will initially focus on aluminium cast parts.