Linde AMT and Velo3D advance US Navy shipbuilding
By supplying domestically produced CuNi (70-30 Copper-Nickel) powder
Velo3D, a 3D printed mission-critical metal parts company, and Linde AMT (formerly known as Praxair Surface Technologies), a metal powders and coatings company, have signed an agreement to supply domestically produced CuNi (70-30 Copper-Nickel) powder in support of the US Navy and the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Program.
The collaboration provides a fully US-based solution for producing corrosion-resistant copper-nickel components used in naval systems. Leveraging Linde AMT’s expanded and world-class powder manufacturing facility for additive metal powders based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Velo3D’s Sapphire XC large-format printer, the initiative strengthens national manufacturing resiliency while enabling faster production of key parts for shipbuilding and fleet readiness.
CuNi is widely used in naval systems for its exceptional resistance to seawater corrosion and biofouling, and its mechanical strength and durability in harsh marine environments. Its thermal conductivity and ductility make it ideal for shipboard piping, cooling systems, and structural components requiring long-term performance and reliability.
The agreement follows the recent award to Velo3D by the US Navy to develop, qualify, and print CuNi components for shipbuilding modernization. Under this agreement, Velo3D will operate a dedicated Sapphire XC printer using Linde AMT’s US-made CuNi powder to support year-round production at no cost to participating Navy and MIB stakeholders.
“This collaboration with Velo3D ensures a vertically integrated, US-made solution of powder, printers, and parts all produced domestically,” said Andy Shives, Global Director of Sales. “Our Indiana powder facility has completed another atomization expansion and is primed to scale high-quality powder production to meet current and future defense demands.”
“Partnering with Linde AMT supports our mission to bolster the Navy’s surge capacity and accelerate modernization,” said Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D. “Together, we deliver an agile, secure, and scalable manufacturing solution that aligns with our nation’s defense priorities.”
Both companies are committed to supporting national security by providing openly sourced, ITAR-compliant materials and technologies that can be deployed rapidly across shipyards and naval programs. Velo3D’s systems, which meet DoD cybersecurity standards, can print high-fidelity components with closed-loop monitoring for unmatched repeatability, ensuring quality and reliability from the first print.
