Key Takeaways
- Colibrium Additive has been awarded a $31 million contract by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) for the Additive Manufacturing Capability initiative.
- The contract involves developing six metal alloy Material Process Combinations (MPCs) for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) activities.
- The materials to be developed include 316L, CoCr, Ti64, AlSi7Mg, IN718, 17-4PH, and 7050-RAM2.
- The 7050-RAM2 material is a proprietary material from Elementum, which has previously received $2.8 million in funding from America Makes to qualify the material.
Introduction to Colibrium Additive and NAVAIR Contract
Colibrium Additive, a leading company in additive manufacturing, has secured a significant contract with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) worth $31 million. This contract is part of the Additive Manufacturing Capability initiative, which aims to enhance the qualification and certification of additive manufacturing processes for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) activities.
Scope of the Contract
The contract requires Colibrium Additive to develop six metal alloy Material Process Combinations (MPCs), which include:
- 316L: a stainless steel alloy
- CoCr: a cobalt-chromium alloy
- Ti64: a titanium alloy
- AlSi7Mg: an aluminum casting alloy used for aerostructure components
- IN718: a nickel-chromium alloy
- 17-4PH: a precipitation-hardened stainless steel alloy
- 7050-RAM2: a proprietary aluminum alloy from Elementum
Comparison of Materials
| Material | Properties | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 316L | High corrosion resistance, high strength | Aerospace, medical devices |
| CoCr | High strength, high wear resistance | Aerospace, dental implants |
| Ti64 | High strength-to-weight ratio, high corrosion resistance | Aerospace, medical devices |
| AlSi7Mg | High strength-to-weight ratio, low density | Aerospace, automotive |
| IN718 | High strength, high temperature resistance | Aerospace, gas turbines |
| 17-4PH | High strength, high corrosion resistance | Aerospace, medical devices |
| 7050-RAM2 | High strength-to-weight ratio, high corrosion resistance | Aerospace, defense |
Significance of the Contract
The contract is a significant win for Elementum, as it further standardizes its proprietary 7050-RAM2 material within the US defense establishment. Elementum had previously received $2.8 million in funding from America Makes to qualify the material, in collaboration with companies such as Battelle, Eaton, EOS, Incodema, and the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR).
Bottom Line
The $31 million contract awarded to Colibrium Additive by NAVAIR marks a significant milestone in the development of additive manufacturing capabilities for the US defense industry. The contract will enable the development of six metal alloy MPCs, including the proprietary 7050-RAM2 material from Elementum, which will enhance the qualification and certification of additive manufacturing processes for MRO activities. This contract has the potential to revolutionize the use of additive manufacturing in the aerospace and defense industries, enabling the production of complex components with improved properties and reduced lead times.