Titomic debuts Australia’s first metal printed soldier-enabled...

Titomic debuts Australia’s first metal printed soldier-enabled UAV

Australian metal additive manufacturing company, Titomic, has announced its first defence agreement with TAUV, to produce ruggedised soldier-enabled Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Titanium using the Titomic Kinetic Fusion technology.

The patented process developed by Titomic produces load-bearing 3D forms from fusing metallic powder feedstock sprayed at supersonic speeds.

The prototype ruggedised soldier-enabled UAV manufactured by Titomic has been shortlisted for Innovation Awards at Land Forces 2018, the international defence exposition in Adelaide this week.

A ruggedised soldier-enabled UAV in Titanium improves stability and impact resistance, tamperproof payloads in the hands of enemies, external mounting for easy deployment and forward scouting of routes.

Titomic CEO, Gilbert Michaca said the award of this initial testing and prototype feasibility project validates Titomic Kinetic Fusion’s potential applications in one of its target industries.

“Titomic’s first Defence UAV project validates Titomic’s advanced manufacturing capability to produce complex shaped products with improved performance characteristics as well as the advantage of sovereign industrial capability. This prototype of a Titanium soldier-enabled UAV manufactured in Australia is just the first step into a market with significant export potential,” 
Michaca said.

Read: Titomic Kinetic Fusion: Breaking the boundaries of additive manufacturing
TAUV is an Australian company specialising in the integration of electronics to develop intelligent platforms for advanced soldier systems, enhancing soldier safety and performance, enabling advanced tactical systems and ensuring operational advantage.

TAUV applies advanced manufacturing processes to develop super lightweight airborne assets such as tactical UAV platforms for defence, law enforcement and civil industry.

Titomic has launched what it refers to as the “world’s largest and fastest 3D metal printer,” allowing the company to print large industrial parts, from airplane wings to submarines.

Titomic launched its 3D metal printer, known as “the world’s largest and fastest 3D metal printer,” in Melbourne in May. The printer features a 6-axis robot arm and an output size of 9m x 3m x 1.5m.

While the testing to production phase in new defence applications generally take longer durations, the prototype production for the UAV was accelerated with TAUV due to the synergies in the co-development of an innovative product.The next phase will involve tests conducted by TAUV in Adelaide.

Link: http://www.manmonthly.com.au/news/titomic-debuts-australias-first-metal-printed-soldier-enabled-uav/