Velo3D Drives Additive Manufacturing Innovation for Defence Applications
Velo3D has announced a four-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) labs. The partnership includes the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) and Fleet Readiness Center East (FRC East). Its goal is to advance Additive Manufacturing capabilities tailored for military aerospace and defence hardware. Through this collaboration, Velo3D will explore advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to meet the strict standards required by military flight systems.
This initiative leverages Velo3D’s cutting-edge Sapphire metal AM machines, which excel in producing high-precision, complex parts. Meanwhile, NAVAIR’s technical experts will work closely with Velo3D’s engineering team to characterize manufacturing processes. As a result, they aim to qualify Additive Manufacturing parts for real-world military applications, ensuring reliability and performance. This effort will enable rapid design iterations, cost-effective production, and greater flexibility in aerospace component manufacturing.
Enhancing Military Flight Hardware with Additive Manufacturing
The focus on Additive Manufacturing for military flight hardware highlights its growing importance in defence. For example, producing parts that are both lightweight and strong can significantly improve mission readiness. According to Paul Charron, Additive Manufacturing Lead at FRC East, this collaboration supports fleet sustainment by improving system performance through advanced technology. Furthermore, Velo3D’s approach helps bridge the gap between engineering design and scalable manufacturing, which is crucial for defence sectors requiring stringent qualification standards.
In addition to improving part quality, this partnership accelerates innovation in aerospace manufacturing. It allows the US Navy to adopt flexible production methods that reduce lead times and increase operational efficiency. Therefore, the CRADA sets a new benchmark for integrating Additive Manufacturing into military aviation platforms.
SuperMetalPrice Commentary:
Velo3D’s collaboration with NAVAIR and FRC East exemplifies the strategic role of Additive Manufacturing in modern defence manufacturing. As defence systems demand increasingly complex, lightweight, and durable components, AM technologies offer a vital competitive edge. Moreover, such partnerships enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities, reducing reliance on overseas supply chains. Looking ahead, the successful integration of these technologies will shape the future of aerospace defence, promoting sustainability, cost efficiency, and innovation in critical military hardware production.
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