en.Wedoany.com Reported - Mears Machine has ordered its fifth Velo3D Sapphire XC metal additive manufacturing system, with an option to purchase two additional units of the same model, to expand capacity for customers in the aerospace, defense, energy, and space sectors. This investment aims to enhance the company's engineering service capabilities, scalable manufacturing levels, and domestic supply chain resilience.
The additional Sapphire XC system will boost Mears' production capabilities in advanced nickel-based superalloys and aluminum, covering materials such as Inconel 718, Haynes 282, and CP1 aluminum. The platform also supports process certification for more advanced materials as customer requirements evolve. Mears has established a track record of producing quality components for demanding environments, and this expansion aims to maintain short lead times while preparing for larger production programs and next-generation innovative applications. As one of North America's leading advanced manufacturing partners, Mears integrates precision machining, metal additive manufacturing, and engineering services to help customers identify suitable applications, optimize designs, certify processes, and transition from development to mass production.
James Lloyd, CEO of Mears Machine, stated that customers increasingly need manufacturing partners that provide more value than just producing parts. He noted that the company has proven its ability to serve customers in the world's most demanding industries, and acquiring the fifth Velo3D system with the flexibility to expand the fleet helps maintain responsiveness and lead times while supporting larger production projects and making responsible investments for long-term growth.
Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D, said that today's manufacturers have moved beyond prototyping and are thinking about how to scale production with confidence. He noted that Mears demonstrates a rigorous approach to developing advanced manufacturing capabilities, and its investment reflects confidence in market opportunities and the value of a scalable platform. The collaboration between the two companies is helping customers accelerate certification, reduce time to market, and establish distributed manufacturing strategies in aerospace, defense, energy, and space sectors.
The Sapphire XC platform can produce large, highly complex metal components that are difficult to manufacture using conventional methods. By consolidating components, shortening lead times, and enabling innovative designs, manufacturers can simplify production while improving performance. With Velo3D's Flow print preparation software, Assure quality reporting, automatic calibration, and standardized process control, Mears can achieve repeatable production across multiple systems and locations, ensuring the quality, scale, and speed required by customers from development to mass production, while helping them build resilient distributed supply chains.
With five Velo3D systems in operation and a clear path for expansion, Mears is building one of North America's leading independent metal additive manufacturing operations. The expanded partnership provides customers with a complete pathway from engineering design and process certification to scaled production, supporting next-generation production programs in aerospace, defense, energy, and space sectors.
