#United States #Fremont #Velo3D #Department of War #Project FORGE

Velo3D Partners with U.S. Department of War to Address Key Manufacturing Concerns

In a move that underscores the vital role of advanced manufacturing in defense, Velo3D, Inc. has announced a substantial contract with the U.S. Department of War worth $32.6 million. This partnership is strategically aligned to bolster the production capabilities of critical military systems through innovative additive manufacturing technologies.

Velo3D specializes in producing intricate metal parts that are essential for mission-critical applications. The contract, entered into with the Department of War's Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), supports a significant weapon system program under the DIU's initiative known as Project FORGE. This project is dedicated to eliminating manufacturing bottlenecks that have historically hampered the U.S. defense industrial base.

Tackling Manufacturing Bottlenecks

The urgency of Project FORGE stems from the need to rapidly identify and implement solutions for production delays associated with traditional manufacturing methods. These bottlenecks not only slow down the deployment of essential military technology but also hinder overall project scalability.

Velo3D's involvement will be pivotal as the company works closely with DIU, the U.S. Navy, and key industry partners to prototype and qualify components made through additive manufacturing (AM). By utilizing Velo3D's advanced production techniques, the aim is to streamline the manufacturing process, thereby increasing production rates for critical defense projects.

The Role of Additive Manufacturing

Derek McBride, Program Manager at DIU, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “The synergy between DIU's rapid response capabilities and Velo3D's cutting-edge manufacturing solutions is crucial in resolving significant production backlogs.” This partnership is not just about manufacturing parts; it's about enhancing the efficiency and reliability of key components that support the warfighter in the field.

Velo3D plans to leverage its Rapid Production Solution (RPS), which enables swift prototyping as alternatives to conventional subtractive processes. The agreement also explores enhancing the capability for large-format Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) printing that is currently unavailable within the U.S. industrial landscape.

Advantages of Velo3D's Technology

The Velo3D Sapphire® printers, all manufactured in the U.S., provide the capability to produce parts up to 600mm in diameter and one meter in height. This innovative technology presents numerous advantages, including higher fidelity printing and top-tier in-situ process monitoring. Additionally, these systems adhere to Department of Defense cybersecurity standards, allowing secure connections to military networks, which is paramount for critical manufacturing operations.

Dr. Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D, noted, “We are honored to have the opportunity to work alongside the Department of War and DIU to deliver advanced solutions that ultimately benefit our service members.” The initiative not only aims to expedite part delivery but also seeks to enhance reliability and provide the necessary surge capacity to meet the dynamic demands of defense production.

About the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)

The DIU plays a crucial role in accelerating the integration of advanced commercial technologies into U.S. military operations. Their focus on fast-tracking contracting routes and collaboration with non-traditional companies is essential to building a modernized and resilient defense industrial base capable of meeting evolving challenges. For more information, visit their website at DIU.mil.

About Velo3D

Velo3D is a pioneer in metal 3D printing technology, helping industries including aerospace, aviation, and energy overcome long-standing limitations in traditional manufacturing. Since launching its Sapphire system in 2018, Velo3D has aligned its resources with major industry leaders such as SpaceX and Honda, driving innovation forward.

Through this collaboration with the Department of War, Velo3D continues to position itself at the forefront of transformative manufacturing solutions that serve a critical national defense need.