MELD Manufacturing Awarded $975 Million Contract by the U.S. Air Force’s Rapid Sustainment Office

CHRISTIANSBURG, VA, 2024-Aug-21 — /EPR Network/ — MELD Manufacturing announces that it has been awarded a $975 million contract by the United States Air Force to support the Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO) in optimizing the operational readiness of deployed assets. This significant contract recognizes MELD's advanced capabilities in additive manufacturing and its vital role in advancing manufacturing processes within the aerospace and defense sectors.

The RSO, focused on enhancing readiness and sustainability across the U.S. Air Force, has selected MELD for its solid-state metal additive manufacturing process. MELD's technology enables the production of large-scale components using aerospace-grade materials, delivering exceptional results. The company has successfully printed flight-critical components, achieving forging-level quality with materials such as Al-7075, Al-6061, and Ti-64.

This contract is in addition to the DoD and DoE investment in MELD machines. To date, the U.S. Army, Air Force, NAVAIR, and NAVSEA have invested in MELD technology with the acquisition of multiple L3, K3, and CD-14 machines to support various government initiatives. MELD has been integral to critical U.S. Air Force projects, with the Air Force acquiring MELD machines and employing MELD technology in the development of UAV airframes. Notably, MELD is the only large-scale, solid-state metal 3D printer chosen by the RSO and the only company with additive technology both invented and manufactured in the United States.

About the Rapid Sustainment Office:

The United States Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO) is committed to revolutionizing Air Force sustainment operations through the adoption of innovative technologies and processes. Established to enhance mission readiness and reduce costs, the RSO focuses on rapid and agile solutions that improve the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities of the Air Force. By partnering with industry leaders like MELD Manufacturing, the RSO advances the integration of cutting-edge technologies, including additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. These initiatives ensure that the Air Force maintains its operational superiority by minimizing downtime and extending the lifespan of critical assets, such as aircraft and other military equipment. The RSO's work is essential in ensuring the Air Force remains agile, responsive, and capable of meeting current and future challenges.

About MELD Manufacturing:

MELD Manufacturing Corporation offers groundbreaking 3D printing and hybrid machines designed for metal additive manufacturing using the proprietary MELD process. Their printers accommodate volumes as large as four meters wide, two and half meters deep, and one meter high, with custom integration services available for even larger print volumes. The MELD process, a revolutionary solid-state technology with over 20 patents, enables the additive manufacturing of metal parts without melting the material. Operating in an open atmosphere, MELD's process allows for the production of large metal components at a scale and speed unmatched in the metal additive market. MELD Manufacturing is committed to disrupting traditional metal manufacturing and repair processes, both on Earth and in space, by leveraging the power of 3D printing. With its award-winning, patented technology, MELD aims to deliver reliable equipment capable of printing in any metal, at any size, and at unsurpassed speeds, all while maintaining forged properties. For more information about MELD Manufacturing Corporation and the AFSD process, please visit www.meldmanufacturing.com.

Media contact:

MELD Manufacturing Corporation
Leah Phone, Marketing Specialist
200 Technology Dr
+1-540-251-1138