High velocity ‘Phaser’ nozzle from SPEE3D
Using compressed air, or nitrogen, to deposit material 4x faster than the speed of sound
SPEE3D, the maker of some of the world’s fastest metal 3D printers, has launched its high velocity ‘Phaser nozzle’, a new, ultra-high-energy nozzle designed to work with a wider range of hard phase materials – with a significant increase in deposition velocity.
SPEE3D’s cold spray metal 3D printers are already some of the world’s fastest, and most robust, deployable additive solutions for manufacturing full-density, solid metal parts. The new high-velocity Phaser nozzle uses compressed air, or nitrogen, to deposit material 4x faster than the speed of sound, with much higher energy. This process achieves high particle velocity – enabling more deformation of particles during the deposition process. As a result, harder materials can be made – including stainless steel, titanium, high-strength aluminum, and nickel-based carbides, in addition to SPEE3D’s standard copper, aluminum bronze, and aluminum materials.
“The SPEE3D Phaser nozzle is revolutionary because anyone can print what’s considered ‘hardier’ materials, and without having to rely on helium to cold spray these materials like other nozzles,” said Steve Camilleri, CTO of SPEE3D. “With supply chain issues continuing to delay parts for industries such as space, defense, auto racing and maritime, the Phaser nozzle can create these parts in just minutes to withstand severe conditions, high stress, immense shock loads and abrasive environments.”
SPEE3D’s cold spray process is high-speed, consistent, and able to produce high-quality prints every time. The technology is used around the world and has proven to be reliable by customers including the Australian Army, EWI, Penn State Applied Research Laboratory, as well as other global organizations that require fabricating parts in harsh expeditionary field environments. In the case of the Australian Army, for example, SPEE3D has tested and validated metal 3D printing as a military capability, with the latest field trial being the longest and most challenging to date taking place in the remote northern territory.
