Velo3D, a frontrunner in steel AM expertise, is collaborating in a US Military Fight Capabilities Improvement Command Aviation & Missile Middle (DEVCOM AvMC) and Manufacturing & Sustainment (M&S) program-funded initiative. The hassle is targeted on advancing high-throughput, cost-effective additive manufacturing processes for Aluminum CP1 to assist protection functions.
The corporate is collaborating with RTX and the Raytheon Applied sciences Analysis Middle (RTRC) to develop an optimized laser powder mattress fusion (L-PBF) course of for Aluminum CP1 that helps the US Military’s Built-in Air and Missile Protection (IAMD) modernization priorities. These embody system agility, affordability, and operational readiness. The hassle leverages Velo3D’s large-format AM expertise to develop a repeatable course of able to scaling throughout applications and services.
“Velo3D’s steel AM platform was chosen by (DEVCOM) AvMC and M&S for its differentiated capabilities that overcome the normal constraints of legacy L-PBF methods,” mentioned Dr. Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D. “By way of a completely built-in software program and {hardware} platform that features manufacturing facility instrument matching, in-situ monitoring, standardized course of parameters, and centralized information methods, we allow constant and repeatable outcomes throughout machines and websites. These are important benefits for distributed manufacturing in assist of nationwide protection.”
“Additive manufacturing is pivotal to constructing a resilient and agile protection provide chain,” mentioned Lee Barber, Raytheon Additive Manufacturing Supplies Lead at RTX. “This collaboration with (DEVCOM) AvMC and M&S brings collectively authorities and trade to ascertain a scalable and repeatable course of for Aluminum CP1 manufacturing. It permits fast response and high quality assurance for our army forces.”
The initiative additionally goals to ascertain an Set up and Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ) framework that replaces conventional point-qualification strategies. This can assist lay the muse for a distributed manufacturing mannequin throughout the Division of Protection and its provider ecosystem.
This challenge displays the Military’s continued focus on strengthening the home industrial base via collaborative and mission-aligned partnerships that speed up superior manufacturing capabilities in assist of warfighter wants.
