Neighborhood 91, a global advanced manufacturing hub located at Pittsburgh Airport Innovation Campus in the USA, announced it will expand its capabilities by adding an X5R Directed Energy Deposition (DED) Additive Manufacturing machine. The machine comes from FormAlloy Technologies Inc., based in San Diego, California.
This acquisition was made possible through the Resilient Manufacturing Ecosystem (RME) program. The program is managed by The Barnes Global Advisors (TBGA) and funded by the US Department of Defense (DoD) under its Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) initiative. The RME program aims to reduce risks involved in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies to meet DoD needs.
HAMR Industries will operate the X5R system to create next-generation components designed for extreme environments. Their focus includes propulsion systems, hypersonics, and supporting advanced manufacturing efforts in the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB).
Michael Schmitt, CEO of HAMR Industries, highlighted key benefits of the X5R. He said, “The ability of the X5R to work with multiple feedstocks, build meter-sized components, and produce functionally graded materials is a major advantage. We plan to use both wire and powder feedstocks to balance costs with part size and complexity. Functionally graded materials will serve various high-performance applications.”
A notable feature of the X5R is its integrated robotic arm, which increases the machine’s build volume. Melanie Lang, CEO of FormAlloy, explained, “Industry demand called for scalable DED solutions. The robotic arm development allows for much larger build volumes, meeting the needs for bigger and more complex parts.”
Jennifer Coyne, Director of Operations at The Barnes Global Advisors, stressed the wider importance of this acquisition. She stated, “RME was created to serve as a model for building a sustainable advanced manufacturing supply chain. Integrating innovative equipment like the X5R brings great value and helps advance this goal.”
The installation of the X5R at Neighborhood 91 strengthens the site’s position as a leading center for advanced manufacturing innovation and supply chain development in the United States. The machine is scheduled to be unveiled later this year during the campus’s first Defense Day Open House.
