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Digital Engineering April 2026
In the latest issue of Digital Engineering, we take a look at the latest innovations in design for additive manufacturing, including the use of natural language inputs, social media cosplayers, and AI integration. The issue also includes a feature…
January Special Focus Issue: Design for Additive
In this Special Focus Issue of Digital Engineering, learn about the latest advancements in design for additive manufacturing, including new software tools, additive in automotive, custom medical devices, and more.
Velo3D, Inc. has entered a contract, worth $6M USD, to develop and qualify copper nickel alloy (CuNi) for use in its line of Sapphire printers, the company reports. The agreement, which includes qualifying the alloy for use in Velo3D's large-format laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) Sapphire XC printer, supports the U.S. Navy Maritime Industrial Base Program's efforts to accelerate ship repairs.
CuNi is leveraged in naval applications due to its seawater corrosion resistance. However, traditional casting of CuNi presents manufacturing challenges. Velo3D's Rapid Production Solution (RPS) can develop and produce these parts in less time than traditional casting sourcing and can be used to improve shipbuilding schedules and supply chain resiliency, according to Velo3D.
Velo3D's RPS leverages its systems, expertise, and surge capacity solutions for production of parts that support U.S. Navy applications.
"Velo3D is proud to be the first U.S.-based OEM with domestically developed Laser Powder-Bed Fusion additive manufacturing solutions to develop CuNi for its systems," says Arun Jeldi, Velo3D CEO. "Through our Rapid Production Solution, we are helping provide faster part delivery, enhanced reliability, and the surge capacity needed to meet evolving defense demands."
The CuNi qualification process is being performed by Velo3D's U.S.-based development team in Fremont, CA. The effort is also conducted in collaboration with a domestic, openly sourced metal powder supplier.
All Sapphire printers are assembled in the United States. Velo3D's systems meet DoD cybersecurity standards and can connect securely to military networks. This partnership represents Velo 3D's efforts to support ship maintenance modernization and reduce repair delays that impact fleet readiness.
About the Maritime Industrial Base Program
The Navy's Maritime Industrial Base Program was established to develop, implement, and execute a plan to stabilize, enhance, and grow the maritime industrial base by addressing the wide range of challenges to industrial base capacity, capability, and workforce. For more information, visit https://www.secnav.navy.mil/rda/mib/Pages/default.aspx
Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.
From software to hardware to complete product support, Velo3D is a fully integrated Metal AM manufacturing solution that gives designers and engineers unparalleled freedom to create what was previously considered "impossible".
DE's editors contribute news and new product announcements to Digital Engineering. Press releases may be sent to them via [email protected].
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