Linde Advanced Material Technologies and Velo3D Advance U.S. Navy Shipbuilding with Fully Domestic Additive Manufacturing Supply Chain

Rhea-AI Summary

Velo3D (NASDAQ:VLDX) and Linde AMT have partnered to create a fully domestic supply chain for additive manufacturing supporting U.S. Navy shipbuilding. The collaboration focuses on producing CuNi (70-30 Copper-Nickel) powder for naval systems through Linde AMT's Indianapolis facility and Velo3D's Sapphire XC large-format printer.

The partnership follows Velo3D's recent U.S. Navy contract to develop and print CuNi components for shipbuilding modernization. The companies will provide ITAR-compliant materials and technologies, with Velo3D operating a dedicated Sapphire XC printer using Linde AMT's U.S.-made CuNi powder at no cost to Navy and Maritime Industrial Base stakeholders.

Positive

• Creation of first fully U.S.-based manufacturing solution for naval CuNi components
• Strategic partnership with U.S. Navy for shipbuilding modernization
• No-cost access to dedicated Sapphire XC printer for Navy stakeholders
• Expanded powder manufacturing capacity at Linde AMT's Indianapolis facility

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Industry Analyst

Velo3D's Navy partnership with Linde AMT creates strategic advantage in defense manufacturing, strengthening domestic supply chains and revenue streams.

This partnership between Velo3D and Linde AMT represents a significant strategic development for both companies in the defense manufacturing sector. The agreement establishes a fully domestic supply chain for CuNi (70-30 Copper-Nickel) powder production—a critical material for naval applications due to its exceptional corrosion resistance and durability in marine environments.

The deal follows Velo3D's recent contract with the U.S. Navy to develop, qualify, and print CuNi components for shipbuilding modernization, which now gains additional credibility through this secure supply arrangement. By operating a dedicated Sapphire XC large-format printer using domestically produced materials, Velo3D is positioning itself as an essential contributor to naval readiness.

What makes this particularly valuable is the alignment with current defense priorities emphasizing supply chain security and domestic manufacturing capabilities. The Department of Defense has increasingly focused on reducing foreign dependencies for critical materials, making this ITAR-compliant, U.S.-based solution highly attractive.

The partnership creates a distributed, scalable additive manufacturing network that can respond quickly to naval needs—a capability that addresses longstanding challenges in defense procurement timelines. With Linde AMT's expanded powder production facility in Indiana and Velo3D's nationwide installed systems, this collaboration establishes a more agile manufacturing approach that could serve as a model for other defense applications.

Advanced Manufacturing Expert

The Velo3D-Linde AMT partnership marks a technological breakthrough in applying advanced additive manufacturing to naval applications. The ability to produce complex CuNi components using Velo3D's Sapphire XC system addresses a critical manufacturing gap that has traditionally required lengthy conventional production methods.

CuNi components in naval systems typically require specialized casting, machining, and welding processes that are time-consuming and limit design options. Velo3D's layer-by-layer printing approach with closed-loop monitoring enables the production of geometrically complex parts with internal channels and optimized structures that would be impossible with traditional manufacturing—all while maintaining the material properties critical for marine environments.

The technical significance extends beyond just material innovation. Velo3D's systems incorporate advanced process monitoring capabilities that ensure quality and repeatability, addressing a major concern in additive manufacturing for critical applications. Their technology can verify part integrity layer-by-layer, providing the documentation and traceability essential for defense applications.

From a production perspective, this approach dramatically reduces lead times for replacement parts and custom components. Naval maintenance operations often face months-long delays for specialized parts; this distributed manufacturing approach could potentially reduce that to days or weeks, transforming fleet readiness and maintenance economics for the Navy.

FREMONT, Calif., Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Velo3D, Inc. (Nasdaq: VELO) a leading additive manufacturing company for mission-critical metal parts, and Linde AMT (formerly known as Praxair Surface Technologies), a global leader in metal powders and coatings, have signed an agreement to supply domestically produced CuNi (70-30 Copper-Nickel) powder in support of the U.S. Navy and the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Program.

The collaboration provides a fully U.S.-based solution for producing corrosion-resistant copper-nickel components used in naval systems. Leveraging Linde AMT's expanded and world-class powder manufacturing facility for additive metal powders based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Velo3D's Sapphire XC large-format printer, the initiative strengthens national manufacturing resiliency while enabling faster production of key parts for shipbuilding and fleet readiness.

CuNi is widely used in naval systems for its exceptional resistance to seawater corrosion and biofouling, and its mechanical strength and durability in harsh marine environments. Its thermal conductivity and ductility make it ideal for shipboard piping, cooling systems, and structural components requiring long-term performance and reliability.

The agreement follows the recent award to Velo3D by the U.S. Navy to develop, qualify, and print CuNi components for shipbuilding modernization. Under this agreement, Velo3D will operate a dedicated Sapphire XC printer using Linde AMT's U.S.-made CuNi powder to support year-round production at no cost to participating Navy and MIB stakeholders.

"This collaboration with Velo3D ensures a vertically integrated, U.S.-made solution of powder, printers, and parts all produced domestically," said Andy Shives, Global Director of Sales. "Our Indiana powder facility has completed another atomization expansion and is primed to scale high-quality powder production to meet current and future defense demands."

"Partnering with Linde AMT supports our mission to bolster the Navy's surge capacity and accelerate modernization," said Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D. "Together, we deliver an agile, secure, and scalable manufacturing solution that aligns with our nation's defense priorities."

Both companies are committed to supporting national security by providing openly sourced, ITAR-compliant materials and technologies that can be deployed rapidly across shipyards and naval programs. Velo3D's systems, which meet DoD cybersecurity standards, can print high-fidelity components layer-by-layer with closed-loop monitoring for unmatched repeatability, ensuring quality and reliability from the first print.

This new agreement enables the Navy to tap into a distributed, scalable additive network, leveraging Linde AMT's powder capacity and Velo3D's nationwide installed systems. The outcome: increased readiness, reduced downtime, and a blueprint for the next generation of agile defense manufacturing.

About Velo3D
Velo3D is a metal 3D printing technology company focused on building mission-critical parts without compromise. Its solution unlocks advanced design freedom and scalability across the defense, space, aviation, and energy sectors. Velo3D's integrated platform includes the Flow print preparation software, the Sapphire printer family, and the Assure quality control system—powered by its Intelligent Fusion process. Learn more at www.velo3d.com.

About Linde AMT
Linde Advanced Material Technologies Inc., a Linde company, is a global leader in developing and delivering high-performance coating solutions and advanced materials that improve the reliability, efficiency, and lifespan of components in demanding industrial environments. Its Indianapolis-based facility provides high-quality, scalable powder solutions for critical aerospace, defense, and energy applications. Learn more at www.linde-amt.com/am.

Forward-looking Statements

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SOURCE Velo3D, Inc.

FAQ

What is the partnership between Velo3D and Linde AMT for U.S. Navy shipbuilding?

Velo3D and Linde AMT have partnered to supply domestically produced CuNi (70-30 Copper-Nickel) powder and additive manufacturing capabilities for U.S. Navy shipbuilding, creating a fully U.S.-based solution for naval components.

Why is CuNi important for naval applications?

CuNi is crucial for naval systems due to its exceptional resistance to seawater corrosion and biofouling, plus its mechanical strength and durability in marine environments. It's ideal for shipboard piping, cooling systems, and structural components.

How will the Velo3D-Linde AMT partnership benefit the U.S. Navy?

The partnership provides year-round production access to a dedicated Sapphire XC printer at no cost, increases fleet readiness, reduces downtime, and creates a distributed, scalable additive manufacturing network for defense components.

Where is the CuNi powder being manufactured for this naval program?

The CuNi powder is manufactured at Linde AMT's expanded powder facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, ensuring a domestic supply chain for critical naval components.

What security standards does Velo3D meet for this naval contract?

Velo3D's systems meet DoD cybersecurity standards and provide ITAR-compliant materials and technologies, with closed-loop monitoring for quality assurance.