The Australian marine technology manufacturer VEEM Limited is planning to expand its manufacturing capacities for the defense sector and is receiving government funding of two million Australian dollars. The funds come from the “Defence Industry Development Grants Program – Sovereign Industry Priorities Stream” and will be used specifically for modern manufacturing technologies, including an industrial 3D sand printer.
The core of the project is the acquisition of an additive manufacturing system for the production of sand molds for metal casting. The technology enables the precise and flexible production of casting molds for complex components such as propellers, valves and housing elements that are used in nuclear-powered submarines, unmanned underwater vehicles and other maritime platforms. Additive mold manufacturing replaces conventional, often time-consuming tooling processes and at the same time reduces development times for prototypes and small series.
VEEM is currently in the design phase of a plant expansion in Western Australia, where the new production facilities are to be installed. Commissioning is scheduled for the second half of the 2026 financial year. At the same time, the company is investing in a multi-axis CNC system for precise post-processing of the cast components. The combination of 3D-printed molds and automated machining should significantly increase the company’s vertical integration and efficiency.
VEEM Managing Director Mark Miocevich said: “We are proud to be part of Australia’s defence industry and very appreciative of receiving the $2 million in grant funding which enables VEEM to increase its capacity and capability for manufacturing propellers and other critical components for Navy and the Nuclear-Powered Submarine program in particular. VEEM looks forward to the increased opportunities for local manufacture coming out of AUKUS and other naval shipbuilding programs.”
Metal Binder Jetting: The Key to Efficient Tool Manufacturing? - Exclusive Insights from INDO-MIM
Fill out the form and get instant access to an exclusive webinar on HP's Metal Binder Jetting 3D printing technology with exciting insights from INDO-MIM.Subscribe to our Newsletter
3DPresso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.
