MELD Manufacturing Corporation's patented MELD technology has been selected by the US Army to be part of its inaugural Army Expeditionary Technology Search (xTechSearch). xTechSearch seeks out potential collaborators to work with the Army to address modernization challenges. MELD has been selected for Phase 1 of the program based on its proposed use to create lighter-weight, higher-strength materials for the nation's next generation combat vehicles.
"MELD technology is ideal for combat vehicles because it enables the use of unweldable metals and can create, join, coat or repair a wide range of novel metallic materials that offer superior strength and corrosion resistance without adding weight," explained Dr. Chase Cox, MELD Additive Manufacturing Manager. "Additionally, MELD machines do not require a laboratory environment for operation and are highly scalable, making them perfect for implementation on the battlefield. Being able to repair parts or manufacture components on demand in theater would both elevate efficiency and save time and money."
Recycling Battlefield Scrap with MELD Technology
Additionally, the collaboration of MELD Manufacturing Corporation, The University of Alabama and Army Research Lab (ARL) has been awarded funding by the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP). The grant will support basic research into the implementation of MELD technology as a method for recycling battlefield scrap metal for repairs and manufacturing in combat theater. SERDP, a Department of Defense program created in partnership with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency, pursues technologies that lower costs and environmental risks while maintaining military readiness.
"The capacity to take battlefield scrap and use it at a forward operating base for repairs and other manufacturing processes would be a significant time and cost-saving ability," said Nanci Hardwick, CEO, MELD Manufacturing Corporation. "MELD machines are uniquely capable in this area because they can deposit from multiple types of feedstock and require no special chambers or vacuums for operation. Other processes often require very specific characteristics for their feedstock that are not necessary with MELD."
The research was proposed in response to the Army's published search for methods of manufacturing at the point of need. Throughout the project, MELD Manufacturing Corporation will create samples from scrap provided by ARL before sending them to The University of Alabama and back to ARL for analysis.
While both this and the xTechSearch project will explore military applications for MELD, the SERDP project will research the fundamental characteristics of MELD deposits made from feedstock created from scrap while the xTechSearch-funded project would be a demonstration of fieldable equipment to take a waste stream or indigenous materials as raw MELD material.
"It is exciting to be taking part in both the XTechSearch and this SERDP project," said Hardwick. "We are proud of our technology and are eager to continue showing the world more ways that MELD can save time and money while reducing environmental impact."
For more information contact:
MELD Manufacturing Corporation
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Christiansburg, VA 24073
540-951-3980
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www.meldmanufacturing.com