#USA #Fremont #Velo3D #Metal Additive Manufacturing #Sandia National Laboratories

Velo3D and Sandia National Laboratories Form Strategic Collaboration

Velo3D, Inc., recognized for its innovative metal additive manufacturing technology, has officially entered a five-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the esteemed Sandia National Laboratories. Announced on November 3, 2026, this partnership aims to explore and enhance metal additive manufacturing practices vital for the defense sector and energy infrastructure.

Signed on January 13, 2026, this agreement serves as a foundational framework for collaborative research efforts. While it outlines the overarching terms of their partnership, specific individual projects will be initiated through separate Project Task Statements. Key areas of focus for this collaboration include part reliability, ensuring consistency in production across various machines and sites, material development, and the important aspects of workforce training and technology transfer.

Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "Sandia has decades of experience addressing some of the most challenging issues in our nation, with a broad set of capabilities to tackle complex problems." He emphasized that the combination of Velo3D's metal additive manufacturing research and Sandia's expertise presents a significant opportunity to push the boundaries of technology further. According to Jeldi, this collaboration is a perfect launchpad for meaningful advancements in producing complex metal parts at scale.

One of the critical challenges in the metal manufacturing industry is ensuring that parts produced on one machine can be replicated accurately on another. Velo3D's innovative Golden Print File methodology is specifically designed to facilitate this process, enabling the same build to be executed consistently across different Sapphire® systems. As the research unfolds, Velo3D anticipates sharing insights and findings from this partnership, promoting transparency and innovation.

Recognized as a leader in the field, Velo3D specializes in designing and manufacturing metal additive systems and production services primarily aimed at the defense, aerospace, and energy industries. Their cutting-edge Sapphire® printers, combined with Flow™ print preparation software and Assure quality assurance software, are crafted to facilitate the repeatable production of intricate metal components consistently across various production sites.

This collaboration represents a promising step toward integrated research solutions in metal additive manufacturing as both organizations aim to leverage their respective strengths for mutual benefit. With significant implications for the defense industry and energy infrastructure, the partnership positions Velo3D and Sandia National Laboratories at the forefront of metal additive manufacturing innovation.

As this partnership progresses, both parties will continuously assess and adapt plans to explore these critical challenges, with careful attention given to the potential impacts on customer demands and technological advancements. Stakeholders and industry watchers are eager to see the outcomes of this collaboration, particularly regarding its influence on future manufacturing capabilities and practices.

In conclusion, the partnership between Velo3D and Sandia National Laboratories signifies a major advance in metal additive manufacturing research, setting the stage for potential breakthroughs that could reshape the landscape of production in the defense and energy sectors. As the collaboration unfolds, the industry will be watching closely for innovations and insights that could emerge from this significant alliance.