Colibrium Additive, a GE Aerospace company, has been awarded a $31 million contract by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in support of its Additive Manufacturing Capability initiative. The initiative aims to enable expedited testing, qualification, and certification of metal additively manufactured parts, thereby improving the U.S. Navy’s operational readiness.
Under the agreement, Colibrium Additive will deliver six metal alloy Material Process Combinations (MPCs) — detailed physical and mechanical property data for metal alloys — optimize process parameters, consolidate material and process specifications, and establish design allowables for the properties tested. This includes expanding the existing AlSi7Mg and IN718 packages and adding 17-4PH and 7050-RAM2 to the current portfolio of 316L, CoCr, and Ti64. A dedicated thin-wall fatigue characterization will help validate the performance and fatigue life of thin-wall geometries, supporting the qualification and certification of additively manufactured structures for aviation use.
To meet NAVAIR’s required development timelines, Colibrium Additive will also deliver three M Line metal 3D printing systems and one M2 Series 5 printer to support the MPC development effort. A comprehensive AddWorks services package is also included, featuring licensed material characterization data curves, manufacturing process instructions, and select specifications to support the additive manufacture of NAVAIR components, as well as a training program to enable repeatable production of airworthy parts.
Together, these elements are intended to shorten lead times for critical components, improve fleet sustainment, and enhance overall naval aviation readiness. The program also includes a comprehensive training plan for teams in manufacturing, quality, design, and materials, as well as for machine operators, to build enduring in-house capability.
Lars Bruns, Executive Technology Leader at Colibrium Additive, stated:
“Colibrium Additive is proud to extend its support of NAVAIR with proven metal additive technology and deep application expertise. By combining certified hardware with licensed process data and hands-on training, we are helping accelerate the Navy’s ability to produce repeatable, airworthy components at scale and reduce supply chain risk for critical aviation parts.”
