Velo3D joins US Army initiative to advance aluminium CP1 AM for defence applications
Velo3D, Inc, Fremont, California, USA, has announced its participation in a US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (DEVCOM AvMC) and Manufacturing & Sustainment (M&S) programme-funded initiative. The effort is focused on advancing high-throughput, cost-effective Additive Manufacturing processes for Aluminium CP1 to support defence applications.
Velo3D is collaborating with RTX and the Raytheon Technologies Research Center (RTRC) to develop an optimised Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) process for Aluminium CP1 that supports the US Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) modernisation priorities, including machine agility, affordability, and operational readiness. The effort leverages Velo3D’s large-format AM technology to develop a repeatable process capable of scaling across programs and facilities.
Dr Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D, shared, “Velo3D’s metal AM platform was selected by (DEVCOM) AvMC and M&S for its differentiated capabilities that overcome the traditional constraints of legacy L-PBF systems.”
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“Through a fully integrated software and hardware platform that includes factory tool matching, in-situ monitoring, standardised process parameters, and centralised data systems, we enable consistent and repeatable outcomes across machines and sites. These are essential advantages for distributed manufacturing in support of national defence,” Jeldi added.
Lee Barber, Raytheon Additive Manufacturing Materials Lead, RTX, stated, “Additive Manufacturing is pivotal to building a resilient and agile defence supply chain. This collaboration with (DEVCOM) AvMC and M&S brings together government and industry to establish a scalable and repeatable process for Aluminium CP1 production. It enables rapid response and quality assurance for our military forces.”
The initiative also aims to establish an Installation and Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ) framework that replaces traditional point-qualification methods. This will help lay the foundation for a distributed manufacturing model across the Department of Defense and its supplier ecosystem.
This project reflects the Army’s continued focus on strengthening the domestic industrial base through collaborative and mission-aligned partnerships that accelerate advanced manufacturing capabilities in support of warfighter needs.
