Auburn University Collaboration Aids Amaero's Velo3D Qualification

Amaero International Ltd has reached a major milestone in its aerospace journey, thanks to a strategic collaboration with Auburn University. The partnership has resulted in Amaero securing Velo3D qualification for its Ti64 titanium alloy powders, opening doors to high-value opportunities in the global additive manufacturing market.

But how did this partnership come about, and why is it a big deal for the industry?

Why is the Velo3D qualification important?

The Velo3D qualification is a significant technical and commercial achievement for Amaero. It confirms that the company’s titanium alloy powders meet the strict standards required by Velo3D’s Sapphire 3D printing system, which is widely used in aerospace and defense.

Without this certification, companies like Amaero cannot supply materials for critical aerospace components, where strength, consistency, and purity are non-negotiable. With this certification, Amaero joins a small group of trusted powder suppliers for Velo3D’s precision metal printers.

Auburn University’s critical role

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the expertise of Auburn University’s National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME). The center conducted thorough material testing and analysis on Amaero’s Ti64 powders to ensure they met the stringent performance standards.

Why Auburn University?
Auburn’s NCAME is a recognized leader in additive manufacturing research. The center works closely with NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and top-tier aerospace companies. By using its high-tech facilities and expertise, NCAME validated the microstructure, particle size distribution, and chemical consistency of Amaero’s powders.

What does this mean for Amaero’s growth?

With the certification in hand, Amaero has started shipping qualified Ti64 powder to customers using the Velo3D Sapphire system, both in the United States and globally. This move is expected to generate significant revenue and help position Amaero as a trusted name in aerospace powder supply.

CEO Barrie Finnin called it a “key enabler” in Amaero’s plan to become a leading supplier in the high-performance additive manufacturing industry. He also emphasized that the company’s US operations are gaining momentum, following previous delays.

How will this impact the aerospace sector?

This collaboration helps bridge the innovation-to-commercialization gap that many additive manufacturing companies face. By providing high-quality, certified titanium alloy powder, Amaero helps Velo3D clients like SpaceX, Boeing, and Honeywell manufacture lighter, stronger parts for spacecraft, engines, and satellites.

It’s also a big step forward for domestic supply chain security. Many aerospace companies prefer US-verified powder sources to reduce reliance on imports, especially in defense-related projects. Auburn’s validation strengthens Amaero’s credibility in this area.

Global interest and powder demand

According to Amaero, demand for certified Ti64 powder is on the rise, driven by both defense and commercial aerospace programs. By meeting Velo3D’s requirements, Amaero now has access to a broader customer base and can begin forming long-term powder supply agreements.

The company plans to expand production capacity in Ohio, focusing on premium-grade alloy powders used in 3D printing. These powders are essential for parts that must perform under extreme temperature and pressure conditions.

The announcement sparked enthusiasm on LinkedIn, where Velo3D shared:

“Important events are happening at Amaero Ltd. The chance to collaborate on the development of refractory materials for the upcoming generation of aerospace and defense applications excites our team.”

This shows strong industry support for the Auburn University and Amaero collaboration, confirming its strategic impact on aerospace-grade additive manufacturing.

What’s next for Amaero?

With this certification behind them, Amaero is expected to:

Ramp up powder shipments in the second half of 2025
Continue working with Auburn University on future alloy qualifications
Expand its US footprint, especially in defense and aerospace partnerships

As additive manufacturing continues to gain momentum globally, collaborations like this demonstrate how academia, startups, and tech firms can work together to solve real-world challenges.

Final thoughts

The successful Velo3D qualification of Amaero’s Ti64 powder, backed by Auburn University, is more than just a technical certification. It’s a strategic move that enhances Amaero’s credibility, expands its market reach, and contributes to the future of aerospace innovation.

The partnership shows what’s possible when the best research meets manufacturing ambition. And for Amaero, this could be just the beginning.

Disclaimer
This content is made for learning only. It is not meant to give financial advice. Always check the facts yourself. Financial decisions need detailed research.