Velo3D, an AM expertise firm specializing in mission-critical steel 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 sturdy resistance to seawater corrosion. Nevertheless, conventional casting strategies create manufacturing challenges, typically requiring rework, increased prices, and longer lead occasions. Velo3D’s Speedy Manufacturing Resolution (RPS) is designed to handle these limitations, enabling sooner manufacturing than standard 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 programs,” mentioned Arun Jeldi, Velo3D CEO. “By way of our Speedy Manufacturing Resolution, we’re serving to present sooner half supply, enhanced reliability, and the surge capability wanted to fulfill 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 assist of the U.S.-based, brazenly sourced steel 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 top, might change into the primary printer of its dimension 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 programs adjust to DoD cybersecurity necessities and are able to securely integrating with army networks, safeguarding the integrity and safety of important manufacturing processes.
Broader Additive Manufacturing Partnerships with U.S. Navy
In July, Synergy Additive Manufacturing, U.S.-based firm specializing in high-power laser programs, was awarded a Part I Small Enterprise Innovation Analysis (SBIR) contract by the Naval Air Techniques Command (NAVAIR). The mission goals to advance Extraordinarily Excessive-Velocity Laser Cladding (EHLA) expertise to reinforce 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 important aerospace components, reduce 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 programs 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 programs by way of 2025. This bundle contains Ultimaker S5 industrial-grade 3D printers, premium filament supplies, devoted IT assist, ongoing upkeep providers, and hands-on on-site coaching.
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Featured picture present Essential alloys like Inconel, Copper, Aluminum and Titanium. Picture by way of Velo3D.