Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. (BPMI), a main contractor for the US Navy Nuclear Propulsion Programhas invested in a Velo3D Sapphire XC metal 3D printing system
The machine will be operated by ATI at its Fort Lauderdale, Florida facility after the company received a contract from BPMI to support the development of highly technical sub-solutions for advanced manufacturing methods. Using the Velo3D Sapphire
BPMI’s investment in the metal additive manufacturing platform comes as the U.S. Department of Defense has increased its investment in the technology, recognizing its potential to improve combat aircraft readiness and reduce lead times for spare parts. The Sapphire XC at ATI’s Fort Lauderdale site is the latest additive manufacturing system used as part of this effort. It is also the first Sapphire XC printer calibrated for 415 stainless steel, an alloy of iron, chromium and nickel that provides good tensile strength and corrosion resistance at various temperatures.
Read more: Additive manufacturing in defense – the state of affairs
“BPMI and ATI’s advanced approach to 3D printing is extremely forward-thinking and this new, revolutionary facility will significantly expand the U.S. Navy’s maintenance, repair and operations supply chain,” commented Brad Kreger, CEO at Velo3D. “Both companies are early adopters of metal 3D printing and innovators in the manufacturing industry. We look forward to working with them to support the U.S. Navy’s fleet, including its aging ships.”
“Printers with larger build volumes and the ability to print with fewer support structures are ideal for U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program applications,” added Nathan Weiderspahn, BPMI Executive Manager, Industrial Base Management. “This additive manufacturing technology will significantly support our efforts to provide new technologies to the U.S. Navy and help maintain its fleet of ships.”
“ATI will be able to additively manufacture complex parts with fewer supports, at smaller angles and larger sizes than ever before,” said Joe Thompson, general manager of ATI Additive Manufacturing Products. “This allows us to expand the scope of possible part designs for our defense and aerospace customers, enabling higher performance and better quality.” “The business opportunities presented by these previously unmanufacturable part designs are significant.”
BPMI recently selected Lincoln Electric’s large-format metal 3D printing technology to provide mission-critical applications for the company US Navy. The company has also awarded a contract to Sintavia for the parts manufacturing company to develop a dedicated additive manufacturing facility to support the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program
Read more:Â Interview | Interim CEO Brad Kreger on the possible sale of Velo3D
