Velo3D, a leader in advanced metal additive manufacturing, has entered into a four-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). This collaboration, involving the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) and Fleet Readiness Center East (FRC East), aims to enhance the application of metal 3D printing technologies in aerospace and defense sectors.
The partnership focuses on characterizing advanced materials and developing qualified flight hardware using Velo3D’s Sapphire family of printers. These efforts are directed toward producing complex, high-performance components that meet stringent military standards, thereby improving mission readiness and operational efficiency.
By leveraging Velo3D’s cutting-edge 3D printing capabilities, the collaboration seeks to establish scalable and repeatable manufacturing processes. This initiative is expected to facilitate rapid iteration, cost-effective production, and enhanced supply chain flexibility for mission-critical applications in military aviation.
This CRADA represents a significant step in integrating advanced additive manufacturing technologies into defense operations, ensuring that military components are produced with precision and reliability to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare.
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