As militaries up their tech capabilities, 3D printing is ruling the roost. In keeping with that, Aussie 3D printing company AML3D (ASX: AL3) has locked in a major contract extension with its patented Wire Additive Manufacturing (WAM) process. The Company is set to provide nickel-aluminum-bronze (NAB) alloy characterisation and strength testing services to support the US Navy’s submarine program. The contract, valued at $370k, comes as part of AML3D’s ongoing commitment to meet defense-specific standards required for the US Navy’s submarine program.

The agreement has been secured with BlueForge Alliance, a nonprofit neutral integrator dedicated to fortifying and sustaining the US Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base. BlueForge Alliance focuses on developing Advanced Manufacturing technologies to help the Navy’s capabilities. Under this extended agreement, AML3D will carry out further NAB alloy characterisation, corrosion and strength testing to validate the suitability of their ARCEMY printed alloys for defense applications.

AML3D Interim CEO, Sean Ebert, said, “We are excited to continue NAB alloy characterisation and strength testing to support adoption of AML3D’s ARCEMY metal 3D Printing technology within the US Defence sector. This contract is further evidence of delivery against and our US scale up strategy and the ongoing development of a long-term, strategic partnership with the US Navy’s submarine industrial base. This second NAB alloy testing contract comes at a time of heightened interest in the potential of advanced manufacturing technologies to help meet increasing demand driven by the AUKUS alliance.” 

Founded in 2014, AML3D Limited uses its patented WAM process for making metal part supply chains. The Company’s efforts have centered around advancing Additive Manufacturing technologies to meet the demands of modern industries.

The testing and evaluation noted in the contract are set to start immediately and will be conducted at AML3D’s facility in Adelaide, South Australia, over the next 8-10 weeks. This extension follows a previous contract signed in March 2023. Since the US makes up the largest Additive Manufacturing market globally, AML3D’s advancements in this sector hold substantial significance.

Ebert added, “AML3D’s continuing success in the US means we are increasingly well positioned to access the opportunities that will be created, as a result of the AUKUS Alliance, in the Defence markets of the US and its partners, Australia and Britain.” 

In its FY23 report, AML3D highlighted its dedicated focus on scaling in the US and aligned R&D efforts, resulting in $3.6 million worth of work in progress orders. This achievement is expected to pave the way for a record revenue year in FY24. Moreover, a significant portion of the work in progress, approximately $2.35 million, pertains to ARCEMY contracts supporting the US Department of Defense, with the remaining $1.25 million linked to R&D ARCEMY sales and contract manufacturing.

Plus, during the June 2023 quarter, AML3D raised $400,000 in additional funding, earmarked for expanding AML3D’s presence in the US market and investing in the development of the ARCEMY platform software.

The contract extension with BlueForge Alliance underscores AML3D’s role in supporting the US Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base and setting up shop in the US.