Current news about additive manufacturing/3D printing August 2025

Renishaw helps Irish Manufacturing Research advance aerospace optics manufacturing

Renishaw has collaborated with Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) to support research into additive manufacturing (AM) for novel aerospace materials. This collaboration is part of a Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund (DTIF) project led by mBryonics, a manufacturer of freeform optics for the space industry.

Using a Renishaw RenAM 500Q Flex system at IMR’s facility near Dublin, researchers are developing advanced process parameters for metal 3D printing of freeform optical components used in laser-based satellite communications. By shifting from conventional machining to near-net-shape AM, the project aims to improve production speed and efficiency. The 500Q Flex’s four-laser configuration and enhanced process control enable faster layer completion, while minimizing temperature variations.

“Our approach will improve build quality and enable scalability,” explains Colin Meade, IMR additive manufacturing technologist.

“Our collaboration with IMR is about more than just supplying technology, it’s about providing the expertise and support needed to drive innovation,” says Chris Dimery, Renishaw’s AM business manager (EMEA). “By working closely with IMR, we’re ensuring that advanced additive manufacturing solutions are developed with real-world industrial adoption in mind.” https://imr.ie; https://mbryonics.com; https://www.renishaw.com

Velo3D, Vaya Space partner to advance additive manufacturing for space propulsion

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) technology provider Velo3D Inc. is partnering with Vaya Space, a developer of hybrid space propulsion systems, to collaborate on high-performance AM to produce high-quality engine components for aerospace and defense applications faster and at a lower cost than traditionally achievable.

The two companies are cooperating via a $4 million, two-year master services agreement (MSA) in which Vaya Space will leverage Velo3D’s Rapid Production Solution (RPS) to accelerate production of critical propulsion system components within key development timelines. Using Velo3D’s Sapphire XC and XC1MZ printers, Vaya Space will print parts in GRCop42, a NASA-developed copper alloy for high-heat transfer, and Inconel 718, a superalloy known for strength and thermal resilience in aerospace applications.

As part of the agreement, Velo3D will serve as Vaya Space’s exclusive provider of GRCop42 additive components, delivering guaranteed capacity, advanced engineering support, and Flow software training to streamline design-to-production cycles for propulsion assemblies including nozzles, injectors, and turbopumps.

“This partnership is a powerful example of how our Rapid Production Solution helps scale complex hardware manufacturing for today’s most ambitious aerospace companies,” says Velo3D CEO Dr. Arun Jeldi.

“Additive manufacturing plays a central role in our ability to reduce design complexity, increase performance, and scale production,” says Aaron Blankenship, VP of operations at Vaya Space. “Velo3D offers the production readiness, material capabilities, and deep technical partnership we need to bring our vision to life and deliver flight-ready engines on schedule.” https://www.vayaspace.com; https://velo3d.com