Metal 3D printing is increasingly moving into the focus of government procurement programs. The U.S.-based manufacturer Velo3D has entered into an agreement under a so-called Other Transaction Agreement with the Defense Innovation Unit. The contract is valued at USD 32.6 million and is part of “Project FORGE,” an initiative aimed at relieving industrial bottlenecks within U.S. defense production.
The background to the project lies in manufacturing challenges associated with conventionally produced metal components, which are currently preventing the scaling of certain weapons systems. The goal is to qualify alternative manufacturing processes in order to shorten lead times and increase production rates. Velo3D is working with the DIU, the United States Navy, and an industry partner to develop additively manufactured components and approve them for series production.
“We are excited for the collaboration between DIU and industry partners like Velo3D to develop and qualify the AM solution needed to resolve a critical production backlog,” said Mr. Derek McBride, Program Manager, DIU. “The combination of DIU’s expertise in rapidly responding to some of the DoW’s most difficult challenges and Velo3D’s capabilities as an advanced additive manufacture, is the type of close collaboration we need with our Defense Industrial Base to support the warfighter.”
The company’s Rapid Production Solution is being deployed, which is based on the laser powder bed fusion process. This approach is intended to enable the prototype production of components that were previously only manufacturable using subtractive methods. The agreement also provides for evaluating the development of particularly large-format LPBF systems in order to realize components that cannot be produced with existing equipment. Velo3D’s Sapphire printers process metal powders with high dimensional accuracy and feature integrated, layer-by-layer process monitoring, which is relevant for quality-critical applications.
“As the only U.S.-based industrial scale OEM with domestically developed Laser Powder-Bed Fusion technology, Velo3D is absolutely honored for the opportunity to collaborate with the DoW, DIU, the Navy to ultimately deliver a solution that supports the warfighter,” said Dr. Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D. “Through our Rapid Production Solution, we are providing faster part delivery, enhanced reliability and the surge capacity needed to meet evolving defense demands.”
In addition, the systems meet the IT security requirements of the U.S. Department of Defense and can be integrated into military networks.
The project demonstrates that additive manufacturing is increasingly being viewed as a tool for stabilizing complex supply chains, particularly in areas where traditional production methods are reaching their limits.
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