Key Takeaways
- DEEP Manufacturing is collaborating with Fortius Metals to demonstrate Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) at scale for building pressure vessels and marine habitats.
- The partnership aims to create a validated, DNV-approved process for producing robust, certified pressure vessels at scale.
- The subsea industry, valued at $30 billion, presents a significant business opportunity for DEEP Manufacturing and its parent company, DEEP.
- Fortius Metals has received $4 million in funding from investors, including AM Ventures, and has won contracts with the Air Force for hypersonic applications.
Introduction to DEEP Manufacturing and WAAM
DEEP Manufacturing, a subsidiary of DEEP, is leveraging Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technology to build large-scale structures and pressure vessels. By utilizing commercial robot arms and WAAM, the company aims to develop a certified process for producing robust pressure vessels at scale. This technology has the potential to disrupt the subsea industry, which includes applications such as wind farms, wave energy, sea floor mining, and defense.
Partnership with Fortius Metals
DEEP Manufacturing has partnered with Fortius Metals, a company specializing in 3D printing materials, to demonstrate WAAM at scale. Fortius Metals has received significant funding, including $2 million from AM Ventures in 2022 and another $2 million from investors in 2024. The company has also won contracts with the Air Force for hypersonic applications, further solidifying its position in the industry.
Comparison of WAAM and Traditional Manufacturing Methods
| Technology | Material Limitations | Scalability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAAM | Limited to weldable materials | High scalability | Lower cost |
| Traditional Manufacturing | Limited to machinable materials | Lower scalability | Higher cost |
Benefits of WAAM for Subsea Applications
The use of WAAM for subsea applications offers several benefits, including:
- Increased scalability: WAAM allows for the production of large-scale structures and pressure vessels, making it an ideal solution for subsea applications.
- Reduced material limitations: WAAM can work with a variety of materials, including those that are difficult to machine or weld.
- Lower cost: WAAM can reduce production costs compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
Bottom Line
The collaboration between DEEP Manufacturing and Fortius Metals has the potential to revolutionize the subsea industry by providing a validated, DNV-approved process for producing robust, certified pressure vessels at scale. With the subsea industry valued at $30 billion, this partnership presents a significant business opportunity for both companies. As WAAM technology continues to advance, it is likely to play a major role in the production of large-scale structures and pressure vessels for subsea applications.