ValCUN installs Minerva metal Additive Manufacturing machine at Johns Hopkins University
ValCUN, headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, has successfully installed its Minerva Additive Manufacturing machine at John Hopkins University (JHU) in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. The installation marks the company’s entry into the United States and highlights the growing interest in wire-based metal AM technologies at leading research institutions.
Johns Hopkins University, internationally recognised for its research in science, engineering, and public health, will integrate the Minerva machine into its materials and manufacturing laboratories. The deployment enables researchers and students to work directly with ValCUN’s innovative Molten Metal Deposition (MMD) technology, a wire-based process designed to simplify metal AM without compromising performance or flexibility.
“We are excited to partner with ValCUN on their cutting-edge 3D printing technology, unlocking new possibilities for directly printing aluminium alloys and advancing research in medical devices and more,” said Jochen Muller, Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.
Minerva was developed to address key limitations of traditional metal Additive Manufacturing systems. Using standard aluminium wire as feedstock, the MMD process avoids powders, lasers, and complex infrastructure, offering a safer, more energy-efficient, and cost-effective alternative.
Designed for practical integration
The Minerva machine is deployable, compact and transportable, designed to fit through standard doors and lifts. Its compatibility with both 220V/50Hz and 110V/60Hz power supplies facilitates international deployability. With full access to process parameters and data acquisition tools, the machine suits both academic research and industrial R&D environments.
“Installing our first Minerva system in the US at an institution like Johns Hopkins’ calibre is a significant milestone,” said Dr Jonas Galle, CEO of ValCUN. “It affirms the value of our approach and supports our broader mission: to make metal Additive Manufacturing more accessible, scalable, and suited to real-world applications.”
Looking ahead
With installations like this, ValCUN aims to collaborate with research institutions, F500 & midcaps with internal R&D, and advanced manufacturing partners seeking alternatives to traditional metal AM platforms.
Organisations interested in evaluating the Minerva machine can contact ValCUN for demonstrations, pilot programmes, or further technical information.
