#United States #Aviation #Fremont #Velo3D #Intergalactic Space

Velo3D's Rapid Production Solutions Empowering the Aviation Industry

Velo3D, Inc., a pioneer in additive manufacturing, recently announced a significant partnership with Intergalactic Space to accelerate the production of essential aviation components. The collaboration focuses on utilizing Velo3D's Rapid Production Solutions (RPS) for manufacturing microtube heat exchanger headers, a pivotal element in the cabin air system for a new line of commercial aircraft.

Revolutionizing Manufacturing in Aviation

This initiative is critical, particularly given the aggressive deadlines set by Intergalactic for testing these components. Velo3D's innovative approach allows for a rapid transformation from design to production in merely a few weeks. This speed in execution ensures that the parts fabricated meet the stringent requirements of the aviation industry while adhering to a compressed timeline.

Utilizing the Sapphire XC, Velo3D's high-capacity printing platform renowned for its efficiency in producing large-format components, the headers were crafted using standard production-ready parameters for Inconel 718. This approach eliminates the necessity for time-consuming development cycles traditionally associated with custom parts.

Accelerated Testing and Integration

Michelle Sidwell, Chief Revenue Officer at Velo3D, emphasized the importance of RPS in meeting demanding program timelines, stating, "Customers with aggressive program timelines rely on Rapid Production Solutions to get hardware fast without redesign and without lengthy development cycles." This philosophy of minimizing friction in the production process not only enhances efficiency but also offers clients a true competitive advantage.

Velo3D’s technology delivers parts that include intricate geometries and smooth angles, which often pose challenges in legacy manufacturing systems. With the Sapphire XC’s non-contact recoater and advanced parameter sets, Intergalactic was able to produce the required parts precisely as intended, ensuring no compromise on design integrity or functional performance.

A Forward-Thinking Supply Chain Strategy

Beyond just meeting immediate production needs, this collaboration lays the foundation for a robust long-term supply chain strategy for both Velo3D and Intergalactic. Utilizing standardized parameters across multiple systems allows for a flexible and distributed production capability, creating a digital inventory that can manufacture identical parts across various locations without the complications of machine or site-specific adjustments.

Rhett Burton, the supply chain leader at Intergalactic, noted that Velo3D's solutions align perfectly with their operational goals, stating, "Building these heat exchanger headers on the Sapphire XC supported Intergalactic's goal to meet its system-level test schedule and established the groundwork for a scalable path to a distributed supply chain for future production."

Comprehensive Support and Quality Assurance

Velo3D's RPS comprises a fully integrated solution that incorporates the Flow pre-print software, Sapphire series printers, and quality assurance through Assure. This comprehensive support streamlines the entire manufacturing process, providing a predictable and production-ready pathway from initial design to final hardware delivery.

The collaboration between Velo3D and Intergalactic Space not only showcases the potential of additive manufacturing in the aerospace industry but also highlights how innovative solutions are essential for keeping pace with the rapidly evolving demands of modern aviation. By leveraging Velo3D's advanced capabilities, manufacturers can shorten development timelines, meet critical deadlines, and construct a supply chain that is poised for long-term scalability.

Conclusion

As Velo3D continues to transform the landscape of additive manufacturing, their commitment to innovation represents a beacon of progress for sectors reliant on precision and efficiency, particularly aviation. The successful integration of RPS for the fabrication of Inconel 718 heat exchanger headers is just the beginning of what promises to be a more efficient and responsive manufacturing landscape for future aerospace endeavors. For more information about their offerings, visit Velo3D's website.