Velo3D Partners with Andretti Performance to Showcase Additive Manufacturing in Racing
Event summary
- Velo3D has partnered with Andretti Performance as an official sponsor and additive manufacturing technology provider for two 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge events.
- Velo3D designed and manufactured an aluminum radio controls mounting bracket for Andretti’s Porsche, utilizing Constellium’s Aheadd® CP1 aluminum alloy.
- The bracket was optimized using generative design tools to minimize weight and maximize structural efficiency, reflecting a philosophy of 'smart, but aggressive'.
- Velo3D's technology will be featured on the No. 43 Andretti Performance Porsche at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The big picture
This partnership represents a strategic move by Velo3D to expand its market reach beyond its traditional aerospace and defense sectors. By showcasing its additive manufacturing capabilities in the demanding environment of auto racing, Velo3D aims to demonstrate the technology's broader applicability and appeal to a wider range of industrial customers. The move also underscores the increasing convergence of advanced materials science, generative design, and high-performance engineering across industries.
What we're watching
- Market Expansion
- The success of this partnership will hinge on Velo3D’s ability to demonstrate tangible performance benefits in a highly visible, competitive environment, potentially opening doors to broader adoption within the automotive sector.
- Material Science
- The reliance on Constellium’s Aheadd® alloy highlights the importance of material science advancements in enabling additive manufacturing applications; future partnerships may require similar specialized materials.
- Brand Perception
- Velo3D's association with a well-known racing team will test whether the partnership can elevate brand awareness and shift perceptions beyond its established aerospace and defense client base.
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