#United States #Fremont #Additive Manufacturing #Velo3D #Amaero

Velo3D and Amaero Forge Strategic Supply Agreement for 3D Printing

In a significant move towards strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities, Velo3D, Inc. has announced a five-year exclusive supply agreement with Amaero Ltd, marking a milestone worth $22 million. This strategic partnership aims to advance additive manufacturing in the U.S. by securing essential materials for producing mission-critical parts.

Key Highlights of the Agreement

The collaboration between Velo3D and Amaero is rooted in boosting the supply of high-performance metal powders, particularly Niobium C103 and other refractory alloys. This agreement is pivotal for both companies, projecting an estimated revenue of $22 million from sales during the duration of the contract. Amaero is set to become the exclusive supplier of these critical materials, emphasizing its role in Velo3D’s operations and product offerings.

As part of the agreement, Velo3D will not only work with Amaero's C103 and titanium alloy powders but also enhance its production capabilities with specialized print parameters tailored for the innovative Sapphire printer family. The inclusion of these proprietary parameters will support Velo3D’s clients in manufacturing complex geometries and high-quality parts, ensuring adherence to the rigorous demands of aerospace and defense industries.

A Step Towards Domestic Re-shoring

The agreement signals a broader initiative to revitalize America’s manufacturing infrastructure in response to years of offshoring. Velo3D's CEO, Dr. Arun Jeldi, noted the importance of leading innovation in manufacturing technology, emphasizing that the re-shoring movement is vital for national security and supply chain resiliency.

Velo3D is recognized as a leader in scalable metal 3D printing technology, with its printers being utilized by significant players in the aerospace sector, including SpaceX. The adoption of materials like C103 and refractory alloys is crucial as they cater to the evolving demands for components that can withstand extreme conditions.

Plans for Enhanced Production Capacity

Amaero, based in Tennessee, has committed to investing A$72 million over the next three years to further advance its production capabilities. This includes the development of state-of-the-art gas atomizers designed to boost the scale of refractory and titanium alloy production in the U.S. This growth is envisioned as crucial to establishing a robust supply chain for domestic advanced manufacturing, mitigating vulnerabilities that have been exposed due to global supply chain disruptions.

The partnership will also allow for the qualification of Amaero's spherical powders and ongoing development of associated manufacturing parameters, thereby ensuring that Velo3D's clients gain access to unparalleled quality and innovation in 3D printing technologies.

Conclusion

As Velo3D embarks on this long-term partnership with Amaero, both companies aim to elevate the standards of additive manufacturing in the United States. Through this agreement, they not only secure a supply of essential materials but also contribute to a larger movement of re-shoring manufacturing jobs and capabilities, enhancing the sector's resilience against future challenges. The collaboration is expected to yield significant advancements in the efficiency and quality of 3D printed components, reflecting the dynamic evolution of manufacturing in the high-tech landscape.

Velo3D continues to be at the forefront of metal additive manufacturing, paving the way for innovation and scalability in the industry's future.