MELD delivers MELD K2 machine to NIAR at Wichita State
The equipment will be used to test, validate, and qualify various specification standards - addressing the aerospace industry’s growing demand for large aluminum and titanium structures
MELD Manufacturing Corporation, an industrial metal 3D printing company, has delivered a MELD K2 machine to the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University. Along with the delivery, WSU-NIAR and MELD have entered into a research collaboration agreement to advance aerospace manufacturing technologies.
The MELD K2, MELD’s largest enclosed additive-only manufacturing system is designed for the production and repair of large parts – boasting an 81.6 ft³ build space – and offers extreme material flexibility and low power consumption. Operating in an open atmosphere, the machine eliminates the need for special vacuums or chambers and features a continuous feed system for standard-size feedstock bars – enabling seamless material deposition without manual intervention.
The newly delivered equipment will be used to test, validate, and qualify various specification standards – addressing the aerospace industry’s growing demand for large aluminum and titanium structures. The ongoing research collaboration between NIAR and MELD Manufacturing will capitalize on MELD’s unique solid-state technology – enabling the production of materials with wrought properties that are unattainable through traditional melt-based AM methods.
“Our partnership with MELD Manufacturing Corporation will revolutionize additive manufacturing for NIAR, the DoD, and our industry partners,” said Jeswin Joseph, Associate Director and Program Manager for Emerging Technologies at Wichita State-NIAR. “MELD’s solid-state process enhances material properties, reduces waste, and accelerates production, setting new standards for performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications.”
MELD Manufacturing Corporation is renowned for its solid-state technology, which allows for the 3D printing and hybrid manufacturing of metal components without melting. The scalable MELD process supports the creation of large metal parts at an unprecedented scale within the metal additive market.
Funding for the purchase was made possible with the assistance of the EDA Build Back Better Regional Competition award – aimed at assisting small and medium sized businesses in the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies.
