MELD additive manufacturing technology selected by US Navy
To launch the Navy Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence at Danville’s Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
After unveiling the company’s newest machine, the 3PO, at Formnext 2022, the MELD Manufacturing Corporation has revealed that the US 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 US Navy’s 16-week Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATMD) program.
“Our 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 US Navy in not only submarine construction, but also in shipbuilding,” reads one of MELD Manufacturing Corporation’s latest LinkedIn posts.
In October, representatives from the US Navy, along with Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin, and Virginia Congressman Bob Good, were at the manufacturing center for the ribbon cutting. At the event, MELD showcased the company’s 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 that demonstrate the company’s capabilities to print Navy-specific materials including Copper/Nickel (CuNi) and HY80 steel.
According to the post, “MELD is committed to supporting the US Navy and bringing added value for a robust workforce and an indestructible supply chain for the US defense sector.”
In 2021 the US Army announced that MELD technology will be used in a new machine to print jointless or monolithic vehicle hulls, after which, in April this year, MELD was awarded the Advanced Concepts Award at the 2022 Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) Conference. The award recognizes individuals and their companies for outstanding work in additive manufacturing technology. The first-place award was a result of MELD’s involvement with the US Army’s Jointless Hull Program.
