The Ship Model Forum

How a Supersonic Metal Spray Could Make Subs Even Deadlier

“Cold spray” technology can speed repairs on submarines, keeping them at sea instead of the shipyard.
By Kyle Mizokami
Jun 2, 2020
The Australian Navy is researching cold spray, a form of additive manufacturing, to repair submarines.
The tech blasts surfaces with tiny bits of metal at high speed, binding it to a surface.
The process could keep submarines out of shipyards and at sea where they’re needed.

The Royal Australian Navy is investigating so-called “cold spray” technology to repair its six Collins-class attack submarines (pictured above). The tech would allow the service to repair parts on submarines, even the pressure hull, while still at sea. A form of additive manufacturing, cold spray could revolutionize shipboard repairs aboard subs worldwide.

Cold spray involves blasting a damaged metal surface with a supersonic gas filled with metallic particles. The particles fuse with whatever surface it's sprayed upon, forming a buildup of solid metal. The technique takes its name from the fact that, unlike repairs done with welding, the fusing is done far below the melting point. Here’s a video demonstrating cold spray released by ASC, the Australian government organization that builds and maintains the country’s submarine flee

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