September 15, 2023
Jasionka, Poland
NOBLE works with DLA Troop Support to provide SPEE3D industrial metal 3D printers to fabricate repair parts for battlefront-damaged equipment in Ukraine
On September 15, 2023, Dr. William LaPlant, U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Procurement and Maintenance, announced the delivery of seven of the world's first large format metal 3D printers to meet maintenance challenges in Ukraine and "[expedite] the restoration of frontline-damaged equipment and unlock fresh possibilities.”
NOBLE’S ROLE
NOBLE worked under contract with DLA Troop Support Europe and Africa to provide procurement and tailored logistics support for this effort. NOBLE EUCOM team members James Lambert, Mike Cerda, and Leila Tulebayeva coordinated the delivery, training location, training, packing, and crating of the equipment for onward movement to Ukraine.
SPEE3D ADVANCED 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY
NOBLE's EUCOM team worked with Chris Harris, VP of Defense Americas, and Calum Stewart, Director of European Defence Programmes, of SPEE3D, a manufacturer of containerized metal manufacturing systems. SPEE3D produces an additive manufacturing solution for building and repairing metal parts in the field. Engineered for military deployment, the printers can be used in rough terrain or at sea and can produce replacement parts using kinetic energy to bond metal particles.
The SPEE3D printer utilizes patented cold-spray technology and robotics to build full-density, large metal parts in minutes. It can make parts for any vehicle or equipment and produces defense-grade metals such as aluminum 6061 and aluminum bronze. It can rapidly produce critical parts and tools in hours, instead of waiting months for shipments to arrive.
NOBLE PROVIDED TAILORED LOGISTICS SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE PROJECT
Coordination efforts began early this year between NOBLE, SPEE3D, the DLA, the U.S. Army, and the Ukraine to arrange the procurement and delivery of seven SPEE3D metal 3D printers to Jasionka, in southeast Poland, near the border of Ukraine. NOBLE also organized a demonstration of the 3D printers’ capabilities to senior U.S. military maintenance personnel in Jasionka. Delivery of the printers began on August 22nd, and the final printer was delivered on September 1st. Training for Ukrainian maintenance personnel commenced immediately on delivery and concluded on September 15th.
The project was featured in the Eurasian Times and Forbes.
ABOUT NOBLE
NOBLE is a leading global provider of the latest equipment, custom kitting, technical services, and training for aerospace, C5ISR, CBRNE, expeditionary, MRO, and tactical missions. NOBLE drives mission success with world-class products, logistics, services, and training through accelerated procurement. NOBLE uses an established supply chain, a vast catalog, and a global footprint to lower costs and increase selection and availability. As a result, NOBLE reduces the cost of readiness while maintaining the ability to respond rapidly to today's challenges.