Velo3D is to 'rapidly develop and qualify' additively manufactured complex parts and assemblies for the US Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC).
It comes as the two entities enter into a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA) to address critical supply chain challenges affecting ground combat vehicles and other military systems.
The CRADA will leverage Velo3D's Rapid Production Solution to quickly prototype alternatives to traditional subtractive manufacturing methods, while also exploring several Velo3D-qualified alloys and making use of Velo's large-format 3D printing capability. Upon completion and qualification of several prototype additive manufacturing parts, the Velo3D-made alternatives will be made available to the US Army's supply chain.
"We are excited for this collaboration between GVSC and Velo3D to identify solutions that will rapidly improve the resilience to the Army's combat vehicle supply chain," said Brandon Pender, Associate Director, GVSC Materials Engineering. "The combination of GVSC's expertise and long history of advancing vehicle technology for the US. Army, with Velo3D's proven capabilities as an industry leader in advanced additive manufacturing, is sure to deliver the solutions the warfighter needs."
"Velo3D is proud to be the first U.S.-based industrial-scale OEM with domestically developed Laser Powder-Bed Fusion additive manufacturing technologies to additively manufacture alternatives for the U.S. Army's ground vehicle supply chains," added Dr Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D. "Through our Rapid Production Solution, we are helping provide faster part delivery, enhanced reliability, and the surge capacity needed to meet evolving defence demands."
Earlier this month, TCT reported that Velo3D has entered into an Other Transition Agreement (OTA) contract with the U.S. Department of War's (DoW) Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) in support of a major weapon system program of record.
