Australian company AML3D, in collaboration with Austal USA, has completed the installation of a portable ARCEMY system at the U.S. Navy's Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Danville, Virginia. This unit, mounted inside a 20-foot container, represents AML3D's first portable edition and is designed for rapid relocation based on production needs. The installation triggered the final 50% payment of a AUD 1.2 million order.
A container that prints metal parts in record time 🚛
The main advantage of the portable format is its ability to be reinstalled in one or two days, compared to the two or three weeks required by a conventional system. The unit integrates into a standard shipping container, allowing it to be quickly moved to different locations based on operational demand. With this addition, Austal USA's fleet in Danville grows to three ARCEMY systems, consolidating the capacity for on-demand metal part production for the Navy.
Traveling 3D printer: ready in a day, not a month ⏱️
While installing a conventional 3D printer requires three weeks of calibration, adjustments, and cold coffee, the portable version is set up in a couple of days. Basically, if the Navy decides it needs to print parts at another base, they can load the printer onto a truck like a large appliance. Of course, let's hope they remember to bring the instruction manual and don't lose it during the move.