Although the share price of 3D printing company, 3D Systems, has been falling all the way from the high point of early 2014, it is still struggling at the bottom. However, this does not stop the company from continuing its expansion plan, expanding its presence in various fields and attracting the attention of potential large customers. Including the U.S. government and military. Just last week, an agency of the US Navy signed a cooperation R&D agreement with 3D Systems.
In fact, in February this year, the company also received two US Air Force research contracts worth more than 1 million US dollars, the main content is the development of larger-scale 3D printing technology for the United States aerospace and defense.
Today, 3D Systems has made new gains in the military market. On May 21st, 2015, 3D Systems and America Makes, Honeywell, and Penn Innovative Materials Processing Center jointly announced that they have just signed a new $1.3 million USD with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The contract will use advanced metal 3D printing technology from 3D Systems to create advanced aircraft heat exchangers.
“Additive manufacturing brings unlimited freedom to design, and designs that were previously impossible to achieve using traditional manufacturing processes are now possible.†said John Wilczynski, deputy director of technology development at America Makes, “by America Makes and industry leaders, research The staffing team has extensive experience in the field of heat exchangers and 3D printing, which allows us to explore higher performance and lower cost conformal components, regardless of whether the US Air Force or the defense industry will be involved in this project. Great benefit."
The project was funded by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratories, led by America Makes. According to 3D Systems, it will revolutionize the manufacture of jet engines and will further introduce 3D printing into the heat exchanger market, which is a multi-billion dollar Opportunity.
"3DS's direct metal printing technology is unique," said Neal Orringer, vice president of external cooperation at 3D Systems. "This contract will enable our team to provide the US Air Force with innovative, high-performance heat exchangers and will provide important data on some strengths, pressure resistance and performance."
In addition to manufacturing heat exchangers using this new manufacturing method, critical assessment data for this technology will also be provided to all members of America Makes. It is understood that the members include all major aerospace and defense companies in the United States. A direct benefit to 3D Systems is that the results of this project may affect Honeywell's rapid integration of 3D Systems' machines into its supply chain.
Therefore, although this project will not immediately bring significant revenue to 3D Systems, it will have a profound impact on the company's future development in the long run.
(Editor)