Velo3D, an AM expertise firm specializing in mission-critical metallic components, has secured a $6 million contract to develop and qualify copper nickel alloy to be used in its Sapphire printer line. The qualification contains Velo3D’s large-format Laser Powder-Mattress Fusion (LPBF) Sapphire XC system and instantly helps the U.S. Navy Maritime Industrial Base Program’s efforts to speed up ship restore timelines.
CuNi is broadly utilized in naval purposes for its robust resistance to seawater corrosion. Nonetheless, conventional casting strategies create manufacturing challenges, usually requiring rework, larger prices, and longer lead occasions. Velo3D’s Fast Manufacturing Resolution (RPS) is designed to deal with these limitations, enabling quicker manufacturing than typical casting whereas strengthening shipbuilding schedules and provide chain resilience.
“Velo3D is proud to be the primary U.S.-based OEM with domestically developed Laser Powder-Mattress Fusion additive manufacturing options to develop CuNi for its methods,” mentioned Arun Jeldi, Velo3D CEO. “Via our Fast Manufacturing Resolution, we’re serving to present quicker half supply, enhanced reliability, and the surge capability wanted to satisfy evolving protection calls for.”
Advancing Provide Chain Independence and Protection Readiness
The qualification course of is being carried out at Velo3D’s Fremont, California, facility with the help of the U.S.-based, brazenly sourced metallic powder provider—serving to guarantee provide chain independence for the Navy. All Sapphire printers are assembled within the U.S., and the Sapphire XC, able to producing components as much as 600 mm in diameter and 550 mm in peak, might develop into the primary printer of its measurement to qualify CuNi components. This development expands addressable purposes by enabling bigger elements, whereas delivering the advantages of LPBF, together with excessive constancy printing and Velo3D’s in-situ course of monitoring.
Velo3D added its methods adjust to DoD cybersecurity necessities and are able to securely integrating with navy networks, safeguarding the integrity and safety of essential manufacturing processes.
Broader Additive Manufacturing Partnerships with U.S. Navy
In July, Synergy Additive Manufacturing, U.S.-based firm specializing in high-power laser methods, was awarded a Section I Small Enterprise Innovation Analysis (SBIR) contract by the Naval Air Methods Command (NAVAIR). The mission goals to advance Extraordinarily Excessive-Pace Laser Cladding (EHLA) expertise to boost the lifespan and efficiency of titanium cylinder bores utilized in helicopter elements—a part of the U.S. Navy’s broader push to increase the lifetime of essential aerospace components, minimize prices, and cut back upkeep downtime.
Individually, in 2021, 3D printer and filament provider MatterHackers was awarded a five-year Indefinite Supply, Indefinite Amount (IDIQ) contract valued as much as $5 million to supply absolutely deployable 3D printing methods to the U.S. Navy and Marine bases throughout the nation and abroad. The awarded contract for MatterHackers covers the supply of as much as 75 Tier 1 additive manufacturing methods by means of 2025. This package deal contains Ultimaker S5 industrial-grade 3D printers, premium filament supplies, devoted IT help, ongoing upkeep companies, and hands-on on-site coaching.
Registrations are actually open for Additive Manufacturing Benefit: Power on September seventeenth. Reserve your free ticket now! The decision for audio system can also be open for Additive Manufacturing Benefit: Automotive & Mobility on October 1!
Need to assist choose the winners of the 2025 3D Printing Trade Awards? Register to hitch the Knowledgeable Committee at the moment.
Subscribe to the 3D Printing Trade e-newsletter to maintain up with the most recent 3D printing information.
It’s also possible to comply with us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Trade Youtube channel to entry extra unique content material.
Featured picture present Vital alloys like Inconel, Copper, Aluminum and Titanium. Picture through Velo3D.