Velo3D has signed an agreement with the US Defense Innovation Unit to advance additive manufacturing, enabling faster component production.
Velo3D has signed an agreement with the US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to advance additive manufacturing, enabling faster component production, improved consistency, and scalable output to meet evolving defense requirements.
The $32.6-million contract falls under DIU’s Foundry for Operational Readiness and Global Effects (Project FORGE), which aims to address production bottlenecks that limit output for critical defense systems.
Under the agreement, Velo3D will work with DIU, the US Navy, and a prime contractor to prototype and qualify additively manufactured components capable of replacing or supplementing existing parts.
The contract also includes an option to assess large-format laser powder bed fusion capabilities in the US to address manufacturing requirements not currently met by the domestic industrial base.
Velo3D's additive manufacturing technology. Photo: Velo3DManufacturing and Production Capabilities
Velo3D said its manufacturing systems meet US Department of Defense cybersecurity requirements and are designed for secure connectivity with military networks, protecting sensitive data and production processes.
Under the contract, the company will deploy its Rapid Production Solution — a combination of metal additive manufacturing systems, production support, and surge capacity — to accelerate the development and qualification of 3D-printed components.
Velo3D will also leverage its US-assembled Sapphire printers, which are capable of producing metal components up to 600 millimeters in diameter and one meter in height across the company’s printer fleet.
The systems use laser powder bed fusion technology and incorporate in-process monitoring capabilities to ensure production consistency and quality.
