How AML3D’s $4.5M ARCEMY Order Could Transform US Naval Shipbuilding

A Major Win in US Defense Manufacturing

AML3D Limited, an Australian pioneer in metal additive manufacturing, has secured a substantial order valued at approximately $4.5 million from Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII). HII stands as the largest military shipbuilder in the United States, responsible for constructing aircraft carriers, submarines, and other critical defense vessels.

This contract involves the delivery of two custom ARCEMY systems, designed specifically for heavy capacity shipbuilding applications. These units will be the ninth and tenth ARCEMY systems deployed to support the US Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base, underscoring AML3D’s growing footprint in the defense sector.

Technology Tailored for Heavy-Duty Shipbuilding

The custom ARCEMY systems ordered by NNS are based on AML3D’s large-scale ARCEMY X platform but enhanced with a 10,886-kilogram positioner to handle heavier components. This upgrade enables the systems to meet the demanding requirements of military shipbuilding, where precision and durability are paramount.

AML3D’s additive manufacturing technology offers significant advantages over traditional methods, including reduced lead times, minimized waste, and lower environmental impact. By integrating these systems, HII aims to accelerate production schedules and introduce more flexible manufacturing processes into its shipbuilding operations.

Strategic Growth Beyond Defense

CEO Sean Ebert highlighted the broader implications of this contract during a recent visit to AML3D’s US operations. He emphasized the company’s ambition to expand beyond defense into other industrial sectors. Notably, AML3D recently delivered a large capacity ARCEMY X system to the Tennessee Valley Authority, the largest public utility in the US, signaling a strategic push into non-defense markets.

AML3D’s established manufacturing base in the US positions it well to navigate evolving government tariff policies and to support customers more effectively. The company also plans to leverage its US experience to accelerate entry into the UK and European defense markets, as well as to expand its footprint in Australia.

Looking Ahead

The new ARCEMY systems are expected to be installed and operational by the second quarter of 2026, marking a critical milestone for AML3D’s ongoing collaboration with US defense contractors. This order not only reinforces AML3D’s reputation as a leader in industrial metal 3D printing but also signals growing acceptance of additive manufacturing technologies in high-stakes military applications.