Linde AMT and Velo3D Partner to Strengthen U.S. Navy Shipbuilding with Fully Domestic Additive Manufacturing Supply Chain!

Velo3D, Inc. (Nasdaq: VELO), a leader in additive manufacturing for mission-critical metal parts, and Linde AMT (formerly Praxair Surface Technologies), a global pioneer in metal powders and coatings, have announced a strategic agreement to supply domestically produced CuNi (70-30 Copper-Nickel) powder in support of the U.S. Navy and the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Program.

This collaboration creates the first fully U.S.-based, vertically integrated additive manufacturing supply chain for critical copper-nickel components used in naval systems. By combining Linde AMT’s world-class powder production facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, with Velo3D’s large-format Sapphire XC printer, the partnership strengthens national manufacturing resiliency and ensures faster production of high-value parts for U.S. shipbuilding and fleet modernization programs.

Copper-nickel alloys are widely used in naval systems due to their superior resistance to seawater corrosion and biofouling, coupled with high mechanical strength and long-term durability in extreme marine environments. The material’s excellent thermal conductivity and ductility make it essential for shipboard piping, cooling systems, and structural components where reliability and extended lifecycle performance are critical.

The agreement builds on Velo3D’s recent U.S. Navy award to develop, qualify, and manufacture CuNi components for shipbuilding applications. Under this partnership, Velo3D will dedicate a Sapphire XC printer to operate exclusively with Linde AMT’s U.S.-made CuNi powder, ensuring year-round, ITAR-compliant production of critical parts. This capability will be made available at no cost to participating Navy and Maritime Industrial Base stakeholders, directly supporting defense readiness.

“This collaboration with Velo3D ensures a vertically integrated, U.S.-made solution of powder, printers, and parts all produced domestically,” said Andy Shives, Global Director of Sales at Linde AMT. “Our Indiana powder facility has recently completed another atomization expansion, allowing us to rapidly scale production of high-quality powders to meet the growing demands of defense manufacturing.”

Velo3D’s advanced additive manufacturing platform provides unmatched repeatability and quality assurance. Its closed-loop monitoring technology enables each component to be printed with layer-by-layer precision, significantly reducing variability and ensuring parts meet rigorous Navy specifications from the very first print.

“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 are delivering an agile, secure, and scalable manufacturing solution that aligns perfectly with our nation’s defense priorities.”

Both companies emphasized their commitment to national security, highlighting that the materials and technologies developed under this agreement are openly sourced, fully ITAR-compliant, and designed for rapid deployment across naval shipyards and U.S. defense programs.

By linking Linde AMT’s expanded powder production capacity with Velo3D’s distributed network of additive manufacturing systems nationwide, the U.S. Navy will gain access to a scalable and resilient production framework. This approach not only improves fleet readiness and reduces downtime but also establishes a blueprint for the next generation of agile, secure, and sustainable defense manufacturing.