MELD Manufacturing, a specialist in additive manufacturing processes, has been awarded a significant contract by the US Air Force. The company has been awarded a contract to support the Air Force’s Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO) in optimising equipment readiness.
The contract underlines the growing importance of 3D printing in the aerospace industry. MELD has made a name for itself with its solid-phase additive process for metals. This technology enables the production of large components from aerospace-grade materials such as Al-7075, Al-6061 and Ti-64 in forging quality.
A particular advantage of the MELD process is that it does not require the material to be melted. Instead, the metals are processed in a solid state, which can take place in an open atmosphere. This allows the production of large metal components at previously unrivalled speeds.
MELD printers can produce components up to four metres wide, two and a half metres deep and one metre high. For even larger volumes, the company offers customised integration solutions.
The RSO of the US Air Force is increasingly relying on innovative technologies to modernise its maintenance and repair processes. In addition to 3D printing, artificial intelligence and data analyses are also being used. The aim is to minimise downtimes and extend the service life of critical components.
The current order builds on previous collaborations between MELD and various defence authorities. The US Army, Air Force, NAVAIR and NAVSEA have already invested in MELD machines to support various government initiatives.
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