en.Wedoany.com Reported - Charles Darwin University (CDU) is leading a new project that utilizes SPEE3D's cold spray manufacturing technology to produce nickel-aluminum bronze (NAB) components and test their corrosion resistance in tropical seawater environments. This marine-grade alloy project has received funding from relevant Queensland research consortia and aims to address Australia's need for reliable, corrosion-resistant materials. Cold spray manufacturing technology plays a core production role in this project.
Nickel-aluminum bronze is widely used in marine propulsion systems, ship propellers, pumps, and other equipment due to its strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. However, traditional manufacturing of marine-grade alloys in Australia has long faced challenges with slow and complex production processes. Lead researcher Professor Kannnoorpatti Krishnan stated that this project will meet the demand from relevant Australian industries for corrosion-resistant materials in propulsion systems. Through cold spray manufacturing technology, the project team can achieve faster and more controllable component production.
SPEE3D is one of the companies currently capable of producing NAB equivalent materials through cold spray manufacturing processes. Professor Krishnan noted, "This reduces equipment downtime, enhances resilience at forward operating points, and ensures the effectiveness of sustained operations in complex maritime environments. In terms of local industrial capability, this project establishes a unique Australian marine-grade alloy supply chain by combining SPEE3D's deployable additive manufacturing platform with academic expertise in materials, chemistry, and marine science."
The project brings together CDU, James Cook University, the Australian Institute of Marine Science (via its National Sea Simulator in Townsville), and SPEE3D. JCU Distinguished Professor Peter Junk stated that the university will assist in integrating rare earth elements into the marine-grade alloy base materials and characterizing the corrosion performance of various NAB alloys under variable simulated seawater conditions. SPEE3D Chief Technology Officer Steven Camilleri said that cold spray manufacturing has potential in addressing repair and maintenance challenges in marine environments.
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