Linde and Velo3D Collaborate to Enhance U.S. Navy Shipbuilding Capabilities
Linde and Velo3D Collaboration to Boost U.S. Navy Manufacturing
In a significant advancement for U.S. naval capabilities, Velo3D, a prominent player in the additive manufacturing sector for mission-critical metal parts, has teamed up with Linde Advanced Material Technologies (AMT), a global leader in metal powders and coatings. This collaborative effort aims to provide a fully domestic supply chain to facilitate the production of crucial components for the U.S. Navy.
On September 8, 2025, the two companies announced their partnership, through which they will supply domestically produced CuNi (70-30 Copper-Nickel) powder tailored for use in naval systems. This partnership represents a groundbreaking step toward bolstering the Navy's manufacturing capabilities by ensuring that corrosion-resistant components are produced on home turf.
The CuNi alloy is widely recognized for its exceptional resistance to seawater corrosion and biofouling, alongside its robust mechanical strength. These characteristics make it indispensable for various naval applications, including shipboard piping, cooling systems, and structural components that operate in some of the most challenging marine environments.
Enhanced Production Capabilities
Central to this initiative is Linde AMT's state-of-the-art powder manufacturing facility located in Indianapolis, Indiana, which has recently undergone expansion to increase its powder production capacity. The facility is now set to efficiently produce high-quality CuNi powder to support Velo3D's large-format Sapphire XC printers. This setup enhances the national manufacturing resilience while enabling rapid production of essential parts necessary for shipbuilding and fleet readiness.
Following a recent contract awarded to Velo3D by the U.S. Navy, this agreement comprises the development, qualification, and printing of CuNi components aimed at modernizing naval capabilities. Velo3D will operate a dedicated Sapphire XC printer using the CuNi powder produced by Linde AMT, facilitating year-round production at no extra cost to the involved Navy and Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) stakeholders.
Andy Shives, the Global Director of Sales at Linde AMT, articulated the importance of this collaboration: “This collaboration with Velo3D ensures a vertically integrated, U.S.-made solution of powder, printers, and parts all produced domestically.” This approach not only aims at meeting current defense requirements but is also structured to adapt to future demands effectively.
On the other hand, Arun Jeldi, Velo3D’s CEO, emphasized the strategic implications of this partnership, stating, “Partnering with Linde AMT supports our mission to bolster the Navy's surge capacity and accelerate modernization.” The goal is to establish an agile, secure, and scalable manufacturing solution that aligns with national defense priorities.
Commitment to National Security
Both companies express a steadfast commitment to fortifying national security by providing openly sourced, ITAR-compliant materials and technologies. These resources are designed for swift deployment across various shipyards and naval programs. Velo3D's cutting-edge systems are compliant with Department of Defense cybersecurity standards and enable the printing of high-fidelity components utilizing a methodical layer-by-layer approach, which guarantees consistent quality and dependability across all produced parts.
This alliance also opens the door for the Navy to take advantage of a distributed, scalable additive network. By integrating Linde AMT’s powder production capabilities with Velo3D’s extensive range of installed systems, the initiative aims to enhance operational readiness, reduce downtime, and set forth a framework for the next generation of agile defense manufacturing.
About Velo3D and Linde AMT
Velo3D is known for its revolutionary metal 3D printing technology, specifically designed for crafting mission-critical parts without compromise. The company’s solutions provide unparalleled design freedom and scalability across sectors such as defense, space, aviation, and energy. Their integrated platform includes the Flow print preparation software, the family of Sapphire printers, and the Assure quality control system, all powered by an innovative Intelligent Fusion process.
Linde AMT, a subsidiary of Linde, specializes in high-performance coating solutions and advancing materials that enhance the endurance, efficiency, and service life of components under strenuous industrial conditions. The company continues to lead in powder supply innovations for crucial aerospace, defense, and energy applications, further solidifying its role in supporting national interests.