Dutch company MX3D, known for its 3D printed bridge in Amsterdam, has successfully secured a contract to supply an M1 metal AM system to the US Department of Defense (DoD) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). Delivery of the system is scheduled for the first quarter of 2024 and will be housed in the ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL). The ERDC serves as the research arm of the Corps of Army Engineers and is involved in a wide range of studies spanning civil engineering, military engineering, engineered systems and Army installations. The GSL specializes in force protection, maneuver support and civil engineering, with a focus on elements such as aircraft runways and concrete construction.
“Serving the US market and working with the US Department of Defense is a significant achievement for MX3D. It reflects our commitment to expanding our presence in North America. It also shows that our focus on high productivity, certification and automation is paying off,” said Gijs van der Velden, CEO of MX3D.
In addition to the contract with the US Department of Defense, MX3D also delivered a system to an undisclosed customer in Canada. The company has announced further advancements in its software features: MetalXL software now includes sensor technology, supports active cooling and has integrated 3D scanners.
From idealistic beginnings, MX3D has evolved into an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of large-scale systems. The company’s iconic bridge, recently demolished from its Amsterdam site after a two-year permit, serves not only as a landmark but also as a symbol of forward-looking ambitions. Before venturing into hardware sales, MX3D initially considered focusing exclusively on software for other companies’ Wire Arc AM (WAAM) systems. The recent purchase by the Department of Defense shows how government agencies, led by specific departments such as the Air Force Research Lab and the Department of Energy, are increasingly adopting the 3D printing sector. These agencies invest billions in everything from basic research to applied projects and systems, making the Department of Defense a major force in the 3D printing industry.
In 2017 we wrote: “It is important, however, to recognize that when governments extol the virtues of 3D printing and promote or invest in these technologies, they are not doing so to fix the button on your washing machine.” There are strategic and tactical reasons for them to master this technology and win in an emerging 3D printing arms race.”
We appear to be in a technological arms race, and according to public announcements, the U.S. military appears to be in the lead. 3D printing contributes to a variety of areas – from hypersonics to 3D printed concrete bunkers to boat hulls. In areas such as drones, sensors, rockets, improvised repairs and aviation, 3D printing could play an increasingly important role.
As for what the Department of Defense plans to do with MX3D technology, the options are many. While building bridges is an obvious application, the technology could also be used to reinforce 3D-printed concrete structures or even to create components for bunkers and sea walls. Additionally, wire arch additive manufacturing (WAAM) could enable the deposition of composite materials to create armor that is more resistant to explosives and projectiles.
WAAM has disappointed some who have experimented with it and often requires extensive post-processing, undermining its business case. However, orders like this could provide MX3D with the revenue needed to further develop the technology. We may find that for certain applications, such as structural features in buildings, eliminating fine machining may be acceptable, making WAAM more practical.
It is important to note that with these technological advances, the 3D printing industry is becoming increasingly aligned with the interests of the US government. This raises the question of whether the industry is moving from a general purpose technology to one that is increasingly optimized for the needs of the Department of Defense.
