Velo3D signs $32.6M contract with US DoD to support major weapon system programme
Velo3D, based in Fremont, California, USA, has entered into an Other Transition Agreement (OTA) contract with the US Department of Defense (DOD)’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) in support of a major weapon system programme of record. The $32.6 million contract supports DIU’s Foundry for Operational Readiness and Global Effects (Project FORGE).
Project FORGE is currently focused on finding solutions for major manufacturing bottlenecks associated with traditionally manufactured parts and platforms within the defence industrial base. Velo3D will work with the DIU, the US Navy and an unnamed industry prime to prototype and qualify additively manufactured components to better scale production rates for the programme.
“We are excited for the collaboration between DIU and industry partners like Velo3D to develop and qualify the AM solution needed to resolve a critical production backlog,” stated Derek McBride, Program Manager, DIU. “The combination of DIU’s expertise in rapidly responding to some of the [DoD]’s most difficult challenges and Velo3D’s capabilities as an advanced additive manufacturer is the type of close collaboration we need with our defence industrial base to support the warfighter.”
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Through the contract, Velo3D will work to quickly prototype alternatives to traditionally manufactured components using its Rapid Production Solution (RPS). The agreement also includes an option to explore the development of the largest format of Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing capability possible within the US industrial base.
“As the only US-based industrial scale OEM with domestically developed Laser Powder Bed Fusion technology, Velo3D is absolutely honoured for the opportunity to collaborate with the [DOD], DIU, the Navy to ultimately deliver a solution that supports the warfighter,” said Dr Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D. “Through our Rapid Production Solution, we are providing faster part delivery, enhanced reliability and the surge capacity needed to meet evolving defence demands.”
