Velo3D Participates in U.S. Army AvMC and M&S Program Funded Initiative to Advance High-Throughput Aluminum CP1 Additive Manufacturing for Defense Applications in Collaboration with RTX and Raytheon Technologies Research Center
Rhea-AI Summary
Velo3D (NASDAQ:VELO) has announced its participation in a significant U.S. Army-funded initiative focused on advancing high-throughput Aluminum CP1 additive manufacturing for defense applications. The company is collaborating with RTX and Raytheon Technologies Research Center to develop an optimized laser powder bed fusion process supporting the Army's Integrated Air and Missile Defense modernization priorities.
The project leverages Velo3D's large-format AM technology to create a repeatable manufacturing process that can scale across programs and facilities. A key objective is establishing an Installation and Operational Qualification framework to replace traditional point-qualification methods, supporting distributed manufacturing across the Department of Defense ecosystem.
Positive
- Selected by U.S. Army for strategic defense manufacturing initiative
- Partnership with major defense contractors RTX and Raytheon Technologies
- Development of scalable manufacturing process for military applications
- Potential for expanded presence in defense supply chain
Negative
- Development phase with no immediate revenue impact
- Success of the technology implementation remains unproven
Insights
Velo3D's Army-funded collaboration with RTX advances aluminum AM capabilities, strengthening their position in the defense manufacturing sector.
Velo3D's newly announced collaboration with the U.S. Army's DEVCOM AvMC and M&S program represents a significant strategic positioning in the defense manufacturing ecosystem. The initiative targets the development of high-throughput, cost-effective additive manufacturing for Aluminum CP1—a material particularly valuable for defense applications requiring both light weight and high performance.
What makes this partnership technically significant is the focus on overcoming traditional constraints of legacy laser powder bed fusion systems. Velo3D's integrated platform offers critical advantages through factory tool matching, in-situ monitoring, and standardized process parameters—essential capabilities for achieving the consistency demanded by defense applications.
The initiative's emphasis on establishing an Installation and Operational Qualification framework is particularly noteworthy. This approach aims to replace traditional point-qualification methods, which have historically been bottlenecks in defense manufacturing. By developing a framework that enables distributed manufacturing capabilities across the Department of Defense and its supplier ecosystem, Velo3D is positioning itself at the forefront of a fundamental shift in defense supply chain architecture.
This collaboration directly supports the Army's Integrated Air and Missile Defense modernization priorities by addressing system agility, affordability, and operational readiness—three critical factors in next-generation defense capabilities. For Velo3D, securing this position in an Army-funded initiative demonstrates validation of their technology's readiness for demanding defense applications and opens pathways to expanded contract opportunities across military programs.
Velo3D is collaborating with RTX and the Raytheon Technologies Research Center (RTRC) to develop an optimized laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process for Aluminum CP1 that supports the
"Velo3D's metal AM platform was selected by (DEVCOM) AvMC and M&S for its differentiated capabilities that overcome the traditional constraints of legacy L-PBF systems," said Dr. Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D. "Through a fully integrated software and hardware platform that includes factory tool matching, in-situ monitoring, standardized process parameters, and centralized data systems, we enable consistent and repeatable outcomes across machines and sites. These are essential advantages for distributed manufacturing in support of national defense."
"Additive manufacturing is pivotal to building a resilient and agile defense supply chain," said Lee Barber, Raytheon Additive Manufacturing Materials Lead, RTX. "This collaboration with (DEVCOM) AvMC and M&S brings together government and industry to establish a scalable and repeatable process for Aluminum CP1 production. It enables rapid response and quality assurance for our military forces."
The initiative also aims to establish an Installation and Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ) framework that replaces traditional point-qualification methods. This will help lay the foundation for a distributed manufacturing model across the Department of Defense and its supplier ecosystem.
This project reflects the Army's continued focus on strengthening the domestic industrial base through collaborative and mission-aligned partnerships that accelerate advanced manufacturing capabilities in support of warfighter needs.
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 2024. For more information, please visit Velo3D.com, or follow the company on LinkedIn or Twitter.
VELO, VELO3D, SAPPHIRE and INTELLIGENT FUSION, are registered trademarks of Velo3D, Inc.; and WITHOUT COMPROMISE, FLOW and ASSURE are trademarks of Velo3D, Inc. All Rights Reserved © Velo3D, Inc.
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SOURCE Velo3D, Inc.
FAQ
What is the purpose of Velo3D's collaboration with the U.S. Army and RTX?
How will Velo3D's technology benefit the U.S. Army's defense capabilities?
What makes Velo3D's manufacturing platform unique for this military project?
What is the significance of the Installation and Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ) framework?
How does this partnership align with the U.S. Army's strategic goals?
