Velo3D Secures First U.S. Army Additive Manufacturing Qualification
Event summary
- Velo3D has been qualified as the first additive manufacturing vendor for U.S. Army ground vehicles, under a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA) with DEVCOM GVSC.
- The qualification was achieved in under two weeks, validating components on Velo3D’s Sapphire printers using Aluminum CP1 and Inconel 718 materials.
- The Army intends to integrate Velo3D’s AM alternatives into its supply chain to address sustainment bottlenecks.
- The initiative aims to accelerate additive manufacturing solutions for the Army and replicate the process with other industrial base partners.
- Velo3D’s systems meet Department of War cybersecurity standards and can connect securely to military networks.
The big picture
This qualification represents a significant validation of Velo3D’s technology and a strategic move towards reshoring and strengthening the U.S. military’s supply chain. The Army’s push for additive manufacturing aligns with broader efforts to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and accelerate the production of critical components. The CRADA and subsequent qualification provide Velo3D with a potential pathway to larger, recurring government contracts, though the company’s ability to scale production and maintain quality will be key to long-term success.
What we're watching
- Contract Expansion
- The speed with which the U.S. Army expands the vendor pool for additive manufacturing beyond Velo3D will indicate the broader adoption rate of AM within military supply chains.
- Material Diversification
- Whether Velo3D can successfully validate and qualify additional materials beyond Aluminum CP1 and Inconel 718 will be crucial for expanding the range of applicable Army ground vehicle components.
- Cybersecurity
- The ongoing scrutiny and evolution of Department of War cybersecurity standards will likely impact Velo3D's system updates and potentially influence the speed of integration into military networks.
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