NCAME and 6K study Cold Spray AM repair materials
The National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME), Auburn University, Alabama, USA, has partnered with 6K, based in North Andover, Massachusetts, to investigate the mechanical performance of Cold Spray AM feedstock materials for component repair applications.
“This project is about understanding how Cold Spray materials behave when they’re used for repair and sustainment operations in demanding environments,” explained Mikyle Paul, NCAME research engineer, who leads this project. “We’re evaluating the mechanical performance and strength of a range of feedstock materials so we can generate data that supports future repair strategies for critical components across defence and industrial sectors.”
Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing is increasingly being used for component repair, restoration and life extension in aerospace, defence, energy and other industries.
The research will be conducted using NCAME’s VRC Gen IV Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing machine. The results are expected to improve understanding of how cold spray materials can be deployed for field repairs where reliability and structural integrity are critical.
“This project gives us an opportunity to generate the fundamental performance data needed to increase confidence in cold spray repair technologies,” stated Scot Carpenter, NCAME laboratories manager. “By understanding the strengths and limitations of these materials, we can help accelerate their adoption for real-world repair applications where downtime, cost, and operational readiness are major considerations.”
Pete Bochinni, Technology Director at 6K Additive, highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry and research organisations. “Partnerships like this bring together material suppliers, researchers, and end users to solve practical challenges,” Bochinni added. “The knowledge generated through this work will help move advanced repair technologies closer to widespread implementation.”
NCAME Director Nima Shamsaei, who is also the Philpott-WestPoint Stevens Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering, said the project aligns with the university’s mission to advance manufacturing technologies while supporting national priorities.
“Research efforts such as this demonstrate Auburn Engineering’s commitment to developing the next generation of advanced manufacturing solutions,” said Shamsaei. “By combining world-class facilities, talented researchers, and strong industry partnerships, we are helping accelerate innovation and strengthen the future of manufacturing.”
“This project further expands NCAME’s growing portfolio of advanced manufacturing research and reinforces Auburn University’s leadership in materials characterisation, Additive Manufacturing and repair technologies. Through efforts like this, NCAME continues to support industry and government partners while providing valuable research opportunities that advance the state of manufacturing science and engineering,” concluded Shamsaei.
