ASTRO Places Advanced Manufacturing Machinery at Maritech Machine to Support Joint InSPIRE Initiatives
In a big first step for FSU InSPIRE and the Northwest Florida region, strategic partner ASTRO America has acquired two state-of-the-art metal additive manufacturing (AM) systems. The series 5, GE Concept Laser multi-laser powder bed fusion machine and the GE ARCAM EBM Q10Plus electron beam powder bed fusion machine are now housed at Panama City-based Maritech Machine, Inc, a 21,000 square foot facility situated on a 2-1/2-acre industrial parcel.
As part of its mission to accelerate small manufacturer adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and its commitment to FSU InSPIRE, ASTRO is intentionally co-locating systems throughout the region. Maritech will serve as the first vanguard node within InSPIRE, demonstrating the transition of advanced manufacturing technology to local, small manufacturers. As part of a reciprocal agreement, Maritech will leverage this new AM capability—the first of its kind in the Panhandle—while offering traditional precision machining services in return.
Additional support equipment includes a large 3D vertical band plate saw, explosion proof vacuum, and powder sieving stations. The systems will enable advanced research, development, and manufacturing in support of ASTRO and InSPIRE initiatives, focused on high-value aerospace and defense systems.
“As importantly, this new capability will enable Maritech Machine, a leading precision machine and fabrication shop, to explore and implement metal additive manufacturing at little-to-no risk,” said Vice President, AM Forward, ASTRO America, Abdalla Nassar, PhD.
Dr. Nassar is playing a key role in collaboratively building out InSPIRE’s advanced manufacturing capabilities by helping define requirements for InSPIRE’s production environment and developing a consortium of local and national industry experts with real-world experience.
“These new AM systems are an excellent complement to our current capabilities which span from milling, turning, welding, fabrication, and assemblies,” added Corbin McCall, Vice President of Operations at Maritech Machine. “We’re really excited at the possibilities of offering AM capabilities to smaller manufacturers in the region to continue innovating and collaborating to solve complex issues for our customers.”
Maritech Machine is a woman-owned small business that was established in 1991 and incorporated in 1993 in the state of Florida. Primarily a precision machine and fabrication shop dedicated to serving defense, industrial, marine, aerospace, energy, and oil and gas customers, Maritech is also a registered partner with the United States Government Defense Logistics Agency.