Velo3D's New CRADA Partnership with NAVAIR to Enhance Aerospace Additive Manufacturing

Velo3D Partners with NAVAIR to Advance Additive Manufacturing



Velo3D, Inc., a pioneer in metal additive manufacturing technology, has officially entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). This initiative centers around enhancing additive manufacturing capabilities specifically for aerospace and defense applications, which are critical for the military industry.

Overview of the Agreement


The CRADA, which spans over four years, focuses on the exploration and characterization of advanced materials designed for military flight hardware. The partnership aims to improve the understanding of additive manufacturing processes to produce complex, high-performance components used in military aircraft and systems. This collaboration comes at a time when the demand for reliable and efficient parts is paramount in the aerospace sector.

According to Velo3D’s Chief Executive Officer, Arun Jeldi, this agreement marks a significant step in enhancing the company's capabilities to provide precise and scalable additive manufacturing solutions tailored for the defense industry. The collaboration with NAWCAD and FRC East is expected to bridge critical gaps in qualifying additive manufacturing for flight hardware, ensuring that these mission-critical components meet high-performance standards.

Advanced Manufacturing Techniques


Velo3D will leverage its cutting-edge 3D printing technologies, particularly the Sapphire family of printers known for producing high-precision parts. The engineering teams from Velo3D will closely work with the technical experts from NAVAIR to analyze and refine the manufacturing processes. This synergy aims to define new applications and printing techniques that satisfy military qualifications and operational demands.

The project's primary goal is to leverage additive manufacturing to create innovative part designs that not only meet military performance standards but also facilitate rapid iteration, cost efficiency, and production flexibility. By doing so, the partnership can enhance the resilience and operational capability of naval aviation platforms.

A Focus on Excellence


Paul Charron, the Additive Manufacturing Lead at Fleet Readiness Center East within NAVAIR, emphasized that the collaboration harnesses shared expertise between NAVAIR and Velo3D to drive the expansion of additive manufacturing technology for Navy aviation sustainability. He noted that adopting advanced technologies like additive manufacturing is crucial for improved mission readiness and system performance for naval fleets.

The Future of Additive Manufacturing


Velo3D is renowned for its transformative ability to improve the construction of high-value metal components. The company has overcome significant limitations that have historically constrained legacy additive manufacturing methods. In particular, older techniques were often inadequate for producing the most valuable and impactful parts, relegating such projects to narrow niches.

With innovations from Velo3D, engineers can now freely design and manufacture complex parts that were once deemed unfeasible. Their integrated system combines Flow print preparation software, the Sapphire printers, and the Assure quality control system, which promotes efficiency and consistency across different manufacturing processes. This advancement not only streamlines production but also enhances supply chain variability, supporting diverse demands in the industry.

Since delivering its first Sapphire system in 2018, Velo3D has partnered with industry giants such as SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and General Motors to create mission-critical metal parts previously impossible to manufacture. Recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies of 2023, Velo3D continues to lead the way in 3D printing technology, opening new horizons for its partners across various sectors including aerospace, energy, and semiconductor manufacturing.

For more insights and updates, visit Velo3D's official website at Velo3D.com or follow them on social media platforms.

Conclusion


The new CRADA partnership between Velo3D and NAVAIR not only signifies a leap forward in additive manufacturing technologies but also showcases the importance of collaboration in meeting the evolving demands and challenges within the aerospace defense sector. As the industry progresses, such partnerships will be critical in developing innovative solutions that enhance operational capabilities and maintain national security.

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