AML3D and BAE Systems Australia sign purchase agreement for prototype parts

AML3D Limited (ASX: AL3) announced a purchase contract with BAE Systems Australia to investigate the feasibility and prototyping of components to support BAE Systems Australia’s contract to design and build nine Hunter class frigates. While the financial value of this particular purchase contract is not material, it represents an expansion of our strategic partnership in order to meet BAE Systems Australia’s existing and future requirements around additive manufacturing for the Hunter Class Frigate Program.

The prototype components intend to offer higher strength properties while providing an alternative to traditionally cast items for future builds.

As the world’s first large-scale 3D metal printing company to be accredited by Lloyd’s Register and to secure Additive Manufacturing Facility Accreditation from DNV, AML3D is a leader in providing certified high-strength components to the Marine Industry. This leadership position makes AML3D an attractive local, high-tech, manufacturing partner for BAE Systems Australia.

The purchase contract for prototype Hunter class components follows a commercial validation testing program, initiated in October 2020. The validation testing demonstrates AML3D’s WAM technology is a cost-effective manufacturing solution with the potential to minimise lead-times and meet BAE Systems Australia’s internal standards for additive manufactured components. In addition, the validation test results illustrated how WAM^® technology can support the continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment sovereign capability as laid out in the Australian Government’s Naval Shipbuilding Plan.

Ryan Millar, AML3D’s Chief Executive Officer said: “Developing our commercial relationships across the marine and defence sectors are key to AML3D’s strategic growth plan. We had great confidence that WAM would satisfy BAE Systems Australia’s testing protocols and are pleased to have successfully moved this project out of the validation testing phase. Providing prototype components that will support BAE Systems Australia’s contract with the Royal Australian Navy to build the Hunter class frigates is another step in building a commercial relationship of great significance. Especially in the context of the scale of BAE Systems Australia’s wider shipbuilding initiatives in Australia.”

Find out more about AML3D at aml3d.com.

For more information about BAE Systems Australia at baesystems.com.