Technical Blog
Read guidance on DfAM, qualification evidence, inspection planning, alloy selection, and bridge production strategy.
2026-08-07
A procurement-focused checklist for evaluating Velo3D's metal 3D printing for aerospace and defense parts, including TCO, power draw, laser cutting, CNC lathe alternatives, and the real meaning behind the SpaceX and Anduril supplier titles.
Read article →2026-08-07
A practical buyer's FAQ covering Velo3D as a supplier to SpaceX and Anduril, precision CNC machining in New York, 10kW fiber laser specs, roughing end mill vs end mill, and more.
Read article →2026-08-06
A quality inspector explains why a batch of aluminum brackets from a Velo3D Sapphire metal 3D printer was rejected, how a questionable China carbide end mill for aluminum and a laser calibration issue nearly got through, and what it taught us about quality.
Read article →2026-08-06
As a procurement manager, I've seen what Velo3D's SpaceX and Anduril deals really mean for your budget. Here's the honest TCO breakdown, plus why Costco isn't the place to buy an industrial metal printer.
Read article →2026-08-05
A procurement manager breaks down the real total cost of ownership behind a Velo3D Sapphire metal 3D printer purchase—including labor cost comparisons, facility upgrades, and the hidden efficiency gains that changed their manufacturing economics.
Read article →2026-08-05
A procurement insider's take on why Velo3D's SpaceX partnership matters, what the 2025 contract really signals, and why the industry is still arguing about the wrong things.
Read article →2026-08-04
An honest procurement manager's take on why Velo3D is a supplier to SpaceX and Anduril, what that means for your buying decision, and why conventional tooling like 4 way press brake die holders and thread boring bars still belong in the budget.
Read article →2026-08-04
Choosing a metal 3D printing system isn't one-size-fits-all. A Velo3D user shares six years of expensive lessons across aerospace, job shop, and R&D scenarios.
Read article →2026-08-03
A procurement manager explains how Velo3D's work with SpaceX and Anduril changed our metal additive manufacturing cost model—and why 'cheap' quotes often hide the real price.
Read article →2026-08-03
Engineering and procurement teams often face urgent part requests without a clear answer on whether to use metal 3D printing or CNC machining. This guide breaks down the scenarios where each approach makes sense, using real-world examples from aerospace and defense.
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