The U.S. Navy has selected the MELD technology to launch the Navy Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence at Danville’s Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. The Navy showcased the space that will house their MELD L3 model printer along with a K2 printer. MELD machines will be placed at the center to enhance the U.S. Navy’s 16-week Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATMD) program. The Navy will be working with industry and the Office of the Secretary of Defense to recruit and train individuals with skills in welding, machining, and additive manufacturing.
MELD’s alliance with the Navy on this effort helps to enhance the education of students enrolled in their program by enabling hands-on experience with additive manufacturing. These skills will be utilized by the U.S. Navy in not only submarine construction, but also shipbuilding.
In October representatives from the U.S. Navy along with Virginia’s Governor Youngkin and Virginia Congressman Bob Good were at the manufacturing center for the ribbon cutting. At the event MELD showcased the largest 3D metal printed part, a 3 meter tall MELD deposited ring. MELD CEO, Nanci Hardwick presented Rear Admiral Scott W. Pappano and Rear Admiral Jason M. Lloyd with MELD deposited parts which demonstrate our unique capabilities to print Navy specific materials including Copper/Nickel (CuNi) and HY80 steel.
MELD technology helps to resolve challenges within the defense sector including supply chain disruptions caused by scarcity of metal spare parts along with long lead times on parts that result in an excessive backlog. The uniquely open-air process can be performed locally to repair damaged parts with even non-fusion weldable alloys. With MELD parts can be printed in hours or days as opposed to months or even years.
MELD is committed to supporting the U.S. Navy and bringing added value for a robust workforce and an indestructible supply chain for the U.S defense sector.
MELD will disrupt manufacturing and repair of metals to serve humanity with the power of 3D printing, on earth and in space. We will deliver reliable equipment using our award winning, patented technology to print in any metal, at unsurpassed speed, at any size, with forged properties.
