The world is slowly but surely falling for a brilliant invention that had its genesis in Darwin.
NT Exporter of the Year Steve Camilleri and Byron Kennedy invented the SPEE3D printer after studying engineering and working on the Territory’s winning entry in the World Solar Challenge car race.
The machine, which manufactures metal parts faster and cheaper than anything else on the market, has been sold in the United States, Central America, Europe and Asia.
Mr Camilleri is now working hard to break into the mining and space industries.
SPEE3D, recognised as the most affordable metal additive manufacturing process in the world, is capable of mass producing 3D printed rocket engines in Australia at low cost.
The business has secured funding from the Australian and Northern Territory government for the project.
An advanced version of the printer, known as XSPEE3D, was launched in 2022 and has since been exported to the British, Japanese and US defence industries.
Ukraine is using the technology to produce critical replacement parts in the field.
Mr. Camilleri said one of the challenges for the business was marketing.
“It has been proved that the technology works – that is not disputed,” he said. “Now we have to market our products to potential customers with the endeavour to solving their problems."
“Those using SPEE3D are very happy with it."
“We’ve had a lot of success with the defence industry Defence, and we’re keen to increase our offerings into other sectors… That’s a work in progress”.
SPEE3D, which was founded in 2016, represented the NT at the 2023 Australian Export Awards in Canberra on 30 November.