Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc. Selects Velo3D's Metal Additive Manufacturing Solution To Revolutionize the Supply Chain for the U.S. Navy
Velo3D (NYSE: VLD) partners with Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc. to provide a metal additive manufacturing solution for the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. The new facility in Florida will use Velo3D's Sapphire XC large format printer to produce parts, reducing lead times and streamlining the supply chain. Velo3D's technology allows for complex geometries without support structures, enhancing part design capabilities. The partnership aims to enhance the Navy's maintenance and operational capabilities by utilizing additive manufacturing for efficient part production.
The announcement of Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc. (BPMI) selecting Velo3D's additive manufacturing solution for the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program represents a significant advancement in industrial manufacturing technology. The adoption of the Sapphire XC large format printer, capable of printing with stainless steel 415, indicates a shift towards more efficient production methods in the defense sector. This technology enables the creation of complex parts that were previously difficult or impossible to cast, enhancing the supply chain's responsiveness and reducing lead times for critical components.
From an industrial perspective, the move towards additive manufacturing, or 3D printing , in producing parts for naval vessels underscores a broader trend in the defense industry towards modernization and innovation. This transition is not only expected to improve operational efficiency but also to potentially lower costs in the long term. As vessels age and require maintenance or replacement parts, the ability to produce these parts on-demand is a game-changer, reducing the need for large inventories and enabling a more agile response to maintenance needs.
The strategic placement of ATI's new additive manufacturing facility in Florida also suggests a strengthening of the domestic manufacturing base for defense applications, which is critical for national security. This could have positive implications for the business ecosystem in the region, potentially leading to job creation and economic growth.
The integration of Velo3D's additive manufacturing solution into the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program is a notable development in the defense sector. The ability of the Sapphire XC printer to handle stainless steel 415, with its high tensile strength and corrosion resistance, is particularly relevant for naval applications where durability and reliability are paramount. The U.S. Navy's fleet, with many vessels that have been in service for decades, stands to benefit significantly from the reduced lead times and increased flexibility in part production.
From a strategic standpoint, the enhanced manufacturing capabilities can improve the readiness and maintenance of the Navy's fleet. This is critical as the geopolitical landscape demands rapid adaptability and resilience of military assets. Moreover, the ability to produce parts with complex geometries and fewer support structures can lead to innovations in ship design and performance, potentially giving the U.S. Navy a technological edge.
For defense contractors and suppliers, this adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies could set new industry standards and drive competition to develop more sophisticated solutions. It may also influence procurement strategies and partnerships within the defense industry, as the benefits of additive manufacturing become increasingly evident.
The material properties of stainless steel 415, comprising iron, chromium and nickel, make it an excellent choice for parts that require both strength and corrosion resistance. The ability of the Sapphire XC printer to work with this alloy is a testament to the technological progress in additive manufacturing . The material's characteristics are particularly beneficial for naval applications where parts are exposed to harsh marine environments.
Moreover, the advancement in printing technology that allows for fewer support structures and the production of complex geometries at lower angles is a significant breakthrough. This not only reduces material waste but also enables the design and production of more efficient and optimized parts. Such capabilities can lead to an overall improvement in the performance of naval vessels, as components can be designed for specific applications without the constraints of traditional manufacturing methods.
The establishment of a new facility by ATI for this purpose reflects a commitment to investing in cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. This could spur further innovation in material science and engineering, as new alloys and composites may be developed to leverage the capabilities of advanced 3D printing technologies.
03/07/2024 - 09:00 AM
The Fully Integrated 3D Printing Solution Will Be Operated by ATI in a Newly Established Facility That Will Provide the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program With Alternatives To Cast Parts
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. --(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Velo3D , Inc. (NYSE: VLD ), today announced Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc. (BPMI) has selected a fully integrated metal additive manufacturing solution from the company to produce parts for the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. The Sapphire XC large format printer, calibrated for stainless steel 415, will be operated by ATI (NYSE: ATI ) at its new additive manufacturing facility outside Fort Lauderdale, Florida . Earlier this year, BPMI awarded a contract to ATI to support development of highly engineered part solutions for advanced manufacturing methods including metal additive manufacturing. The partners will use the printer to produce parts previously produced through casting, reducing lead times for mission critical parts, and streamlining their supply chain.
Velo3D’s technology was developed in the United States and includes a fully integrated software and hardware solution. The company is headquartered in the United States , including its research and development, customer support, and manufacturing operations. Conventional 3D printers often struggle to produce parts with overhanging features beyond 45 degrees without support structures, however Velo3D’s proprietary technology offers the ability to produce parts with a wide variety of geometries with few-to-no supports. This has allowed the company to address applications that other 3D printing technologies cannot. In addition to using this technology to 3D print parts that are traditionally cast, Velo3D’s technology also enables more innovative designs to replace components currently in use. Furthermore, this capability can be scaled to additional machines across multiple locations and operators.
“BPMI and ATI’s progressive approach to 3D printing is extremely forward-thinking and this new, revolutionary facility will significantly augment the U.S. Navy’s supply chain for maintenance, repair, and operations,” said Brad Kreger, CEO at Velo3D. “Both companies are early adopters of metal 3D printing and innovators in the manufacturing industry. We look forward to working with them as they support the U.S. Navy’s fleet, including its aging vessels.”
The U.S. Navy currently operates approximately 300 vessels, many of which were commissioned decades ago. They, along with the broader U.S. Department of Defense, have actively incorporated additive manufacturing, acknowledging its efficiency in supporting its aging equipment, enhancing warfighter readiness, and reducing replacement part lead-times. Additive manufacturing accomplishes this by enabling distributed supply chains and digital inventories where manufacturers can produce parts within spec across any similar printer calibrated for the same metal alloy. ATI’s new secure facility, along with Velo3D’s fully integrated solution, are significant steps forward in advancing the Navy's maintenance and operational capabilities.
“Printers with larger build volumes and the ability to print with less support structures are ideal for U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program applications,” said Nathan Weiderspahn, BPMI Executive Manager, Industrial Base Management. “This additive manufacturing technology will greatly support our efforts in delivering new technology to the U.S. Navy and helping maintain its fleet of ships.”
“ATI will be able to more easily additively produce complex parts with fewer support structures, at lower angles, and larger sizes than ever before,” said Joe Thompson, General Manager of ATI Additive Manufacturing Products. “This enables us to broaden the scope of possible part designs for our defense and aerospace customers, enabling higher performance and better quality. The business opportunity represented by these previously unproduceable part designs is significant.”
BPMI’s new Sapphire XC printer is the first such printer from Velo3D calibrated for stainless steel 415 , an alloy of iron, chromium, and nickel that provides good tensile strength and corrosion resistance at a range of temperatures.
About Velo3D:
Velo3D is a metal 3D printing technology company. 3D printing—also known as additive manufacturing (AM)—has a unique ability to improve the way high-value metal parts are built. However, legacy metal AM has been greatly limited in its capabilities since its invention almost 30 years ago. This has prevented the technology from being used to create the most valuable and impactful parts, restricting its use to specific niches where the limitations were acceptable.
Velo3D has overcome these limitations so engineers can design and print the parts they want. The company’s solution unlocks a wide breadth of design freedom and enables customers in space exploration, aviation, power generation, energy, and semiconductor to innovate the future in their respective industries. Using Velo3D, these customers can now build mission-critical metal parts that were previously impossible to manufacture. The fully integrated solution includes the Flow print preparation software, the Sapphire family of printers, and the Assure quality control system—all of which are powered by Velo3D’s Intelligent Fusion manufacturing process. The company delivered its first Sapphire system in 2018 and has been a strategic partner to innovators such as SpaceX, Honeywell, Honda, Chromalloy, and Lam Research. Velo3D has been named as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies for 2023 . For more information, please visit Velo3D.com , or follow the company on LinkedIn or Twitter .
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Source: Velo3D
What is the ticker symbol for Velo3D?
The ticker symbol for Velo3D is VLD.
What technology does Velo3D's Sapphire XC printer use?
Velo3D's Sapphire XC printer uses metal additive manufacturing technology.
Where is the new additive manufacturing facility located?
The new additive manufacturing facility is located outside Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
What is the purpose of the partnership between Velo3D and Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc.?
The partnership aims to provide parts for the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program using Velo3D's metal additive manufacturing solution.
What benefits does Velo3D's technology offer in part production?
Velo3D's technology allows for the production of parts with complex geometries without the need for support structures.
