US Army relies on 3D Printing Materials from Equispheres

Equispheres‘ materials for additive manufacturing have been identified by the U.S. Army as a key enabler for creating critical manufacturing and sustainment capabilities for the Department of Defense.

The Ottawa-based company, which develops next-generation materials for 3D printing, was one of five winners in the annual xTechInternational competition, which seeks solutions for advanced manufacturing and materials. This global event recognizes innovations of immediate value to American industries.

“We are honored that DoD has recognized the capabilities of our materials technology for defense applications. Our unique production technology allows us to tailor materials properties to specific end-uses, making metal additive manufacturing faster, safer, and more accessible to the defense supply chain,” says Kevin Nicholds, CEO of Equispheres.

Equispheres was selected as one of a handful of global suppliers chosen from over 130 applicants as a company with technology that has the potential to significantly impact the Department of Defense’s near- and long-term capabilities.

“U.S. Army collaboration with our international allies and partners is essential to developing state-of-the-art capabilities that benefit the U.S. Soldier,” said Jessica Stillman, the deputy program manager for the Army xTech Program. “The latest xTechInternational competition focused on advanced manufacturing and materials and had the largest award amount to-date for this series, leading to record participation. We see this trend continuing as we move forward to future international competitions.”

Evan Butler-Jones, Vice-President – Product & Strategy for Equispheres, says the recognition is “an excellent opportunity to support the needs of the US DoD for advancing metal additive manufacturing, and important recognition of the role that materials technology can play in accelerating its adoption within North America.”

As a materials technology company, Equispheres facilitates the adoption of 3D printing in the automotive, aerospace and defense sectors. In commercial applications, the company’s aluminum powders show significant improvement in print speed and part quality, resulting in a lower cost per part. Equispheres’ new NExP-1 non-explosive aluminum lining material reduces the hazards of daily handling without compromising the quality of the printed part. This material lowers the barriers to the industrialization of 3D printing.

With a core team of metallurgists and engineers actively engaged in research and development, Equispheres continues to develop processes and products to support the growth and expansion of metal additive manufacturing.

“Safer, higher-performing materials will facilitate the adoption of metal 3D printing throughout the defense supply chain,” says Butler-Jones.