Velo3D Announces New Order for Sapphire XC Metal 3D Printer

Mears Machine Corporation Enhances Its Additive Manufacturing Capabilities with Purchase of Fourth System

The large-format printer will be configured for nickel super-alloy H282 and supports the continued development of Aerospace and Industrial-related programs and opportunities initiated by Velo3D

H282 is a Nickel-based superalloy which has greater strength at higher temperatures, improved corrosion and creep resistance compared to Inconel 718.  Applications in gas turbines include, combustion liners, vane rings and nozzle components. H282 is challenging to machine and Additive Manufacturing can reduce the amount to be machined

FREMONT, Calif., April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Velo3D, Inc. (OTC: VLDX), a leader in additive manufacturing (AM) technology known for transforming aerospace and defense supply chains through world-class metal AM, today announced Mears Machine Corporation (Indianapolis, Indiana), a leader in precision machining solutions, has purchased its fourth Sapphire XC printer to bolster its additive manufacturing capabilities in response to customer demand. This order underscores Mears Machine's commitment to adopting advanced manufacturing technologies and follows the previous purchase of three Velo3D Sapphire XCs in 2024.

"As precision machine shops increasingly adopt advanced manufacturing technologies, like 3D printing, we are pleased to support their mission to modernize and better serve their customers," said Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D. "Our partnership with Mears Machine, now integrating a fourth Sapphire XC printer, highlights the sales momentum for our technology and underscores the value that our additive manufacturing solutions bring to manufacturers looking to enhance productivity, scale operations and drive innovation."

The new Velo3D Sapphire XC printer at Mears Machine will be configured to produce parts in nickel super-alloy H282. H282 is a strengthened superalloy developed for high-temperature applications, primarily for aerospace propulsion systems, industrial power generation, nuclear power and critical CO2 systems. It possesses a unique combination of strength, thermal stability, and fabricability not found in currently available commercial alloys. Printed parts also have better weldability, creep resistance in the range 1200-1700F (649-927C), oxidation properties and great thermal stability. Velo3D sees significant opportunities for parts in H282, including many that support critical defense-related programs.

"Integrating the Velo3D Sapphire XC printer into our operations has represented a significant leap forward in addressing the evolving needs of our existing customers. The new industries and customer base attracted by this capability has exceeded our expectations." said Roger Mears, Executive Chairman of Mears Machine. "This technology empowers us to efficiently deliver complex, high-quality components to our customers. Coupled with our world-class machining capability and post-process supply chain management experience, we are positioned as a leading partner in the additive manufacturing landscape. Our customers' demands have increased, and we have met production with Velo3D's highly scalable additive manufacturing solution, which makes us unique in the industry."

Velo3D's fully integrated solution—which combines software, hardware, and printing processes—enables unparalleled scalability and affordability. Once a part has been qualified on a Velo3D printer, production can be easily scaled across any system of the same model of printer that is configured for the same alloy. This capability is crucial for Mears Machine's customers who seek to affordably scale production of additively manufactured components while navigating supply chain challenges.

The Velo3D Sapphire XC printer sets itself apart in the laser powder bed fusion industry with its unique print capabilities and large format. The printer uses eight 1-kilowatt lasers and can produce parts 600 mm in diameter and 550 mm in height, with the option of 1,000 mm in height for the Sapphire XC 1MZ.

About Velo3D: 
Velo3D is a metal 3D printing technology company. 3D printing—also known as additive manufacturing (AM)—has a unique ability to improve the way high-value metal parts are built. However, legacy metal AM has been greatly limited in its capabilities since its invention almost 30 years ago. This has prevented the technology from being used to create the most valuable and impactful parts, restricting its use to specific niches where the limitations were acceptable.

Velo3D has overcome these limitations so engineers can design and print the parts they want. The company's solution unlocks a wide breadth of design freedom and enables customers in space exploration, aviation, power generation, energy, and semiconductor to innovate the future in their respective industries. Using Velo3D, these customers can now build mission-critical metal parts that were previously impossible to manufacture. The fully integrated solution includes the Flow print preparation software, the Sapphire family of printers, and the Assure quality control system—all of which are powered by Velo3D's Intelligent Fusion manufacturing process. The company delivered its first Sapphire system in 2018 and has been a strategic partner to innovators such as SpaceX, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Lockheed Martin, Avio, and General Motors. Velo3D was named as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for 2023. For more information, please visit Velo3D.com, or follow the company on LinkedIn or X. 

Forward-Looking Statements:

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SOURCE Velo3D, Inc.