#USA #Fremont #Additive Manufacturing #Velo3D #iRocket

Velo3D and iRocket's Strategic Partnership Expands Additive Manufacturing in Aerospace

In a significant move to bolster the United States aerospace and defense sectors, Velo3D, a recognized leader in advanced metal additive manufacturing, has announced an expanded partnership with Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc. (iRocket). This collaboration focuses on scaling U.S.-based production of reusable launch vehicles and defense hardware, tapping into the lucrative market of rapid-response military and commercial aerospace needs.

Accelerating Production Through Technology

Recent developments highlight how iRocket's investment in Velo3D’s Sapphire® printers and Rapid Production Solutions (RPS) will optimize the design and manufacturing processes for reusable launch vehicles. The integration of these advanced technologies allows iRocket to refine and iterate upon their designs after each launch, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptation to market demands.

Meeting Critical Defense Needs

As iRocket positions itself in the market with its 100% reusable Shockwave launch vehicle, the partnership with Velo3D places them in a strong competitive position. The aerospace company plans to operate much like commercial airlines, enabling them to recondition, reload, and relaunch their vehicles within a 24-hour turnaround. This approach aims to address urgent needs within the defense sector by significantly reducing lead times for critical components.

Dr. Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D, expressed optimism, stating, "Working with iRocket exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in building resilient, U.S.-based manufacturing." With the Sapphire printers integrated into Velo3D’s RPS, iRocket can transition smoothly from prototyping to full-scale production, ensuring quality and consistency are maintained throughout the manufacturing process.

A Commitment to Innovation

Since its establishment in 2018, iRocket has demonstrated a commitment to innovation in aerospace and defense technologies, securing contracts with the U.S. Space Force and Air Force Research Laboratory. Their ongoing collaboration with Velo3D aims to further advance propulsion systems and improve defense applications through the use of cutting-edge additive manufacturing techniques.

Asad Malik, CEO of iRocket, remarked on the advantages gained through this partnership. “Velo3D’s additive manufacturing technology gives us the freedom to design and produce propulsion system components and 3D print complex geometries that traditional methods simply cannot achieve. This expanded collaboration will enhance our ability to provide high-frequency launch capabilities for both commercial and national defense applications.”

Supporting A Stronger Supply Chain

The collaboration between Velo3D and iRocket is strategically aligned with national efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains. The two companies aim to secure production channels for critical technologies and stimulate faster innovation in the aerospace and defense fields. With ongoing challenges in global supply, building robust and secure manufacturing capacities within the U.S. has never been more critical.

According to various industry forecasts, enhancing capabilities in metal additive manufacturing will move from being a value-add to a necessity, thus reshaping how the aerospace sector operates.

In conclusion, the strategic partnership between Velo3D and iRocket showcases a proactive approach to addressing the aerospace industry's pressing challenges. By leveraging advanced technologies for manufacturing, they are well-positioned to support the evolving needs of both commercial space and national defense sectors, propelling U.S. capabilities into a new era of efficiency and innovation.