Ursa Major Launches AAAME to Strengthen US Additive Manufacturing Ecosystem and Enhance National Security

Ursa Major launches Alliance for the American Additive Manufacturing Ecosystem (AAAME) to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing for national security applications. Founding members include Dyndrite, EOS, and nLight. The alliance aims to develop standardized, secure, and scalable AM processes to reinforce supply chain resilience and enable rapid production of mission-ready components. Its goals include policy alignment, innovation, and workforce development.

Ursa Major, an aerospace propulsion firm, has announced the creation of the Alliance for the American Additive Manufacturing Ecosystem (AAAME), a collaborative initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) for national security applications. Founding members include Dyndrite, EOS, and nLight, representing key players in defense, manufacturing, and advanced technology.

The Alliance, formed to address opportunities and barriers within the aerospace and defense industrial base, seeks to foster innovation through the development of standardized, secure, and scalable AM processes. These efforts are designed to reinforce supply chain resilience and enable the rapid, reliable production of mission-ready components. According to Dan Jablonsky, CEO of Ursa Major, "The United States cannot afford fragile supply chains subject to international economic disturbances or decade-long timelines to deliver critical national security systems. This Alliance brings together key players in the AM ecosystem to advance a more responsive and robust industrial base. It’s about aligning policy, innovation, and execution so our warfighters have what they need, when they need it."

AAAME will focus on bringing together stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to support the integration of additive manufacturing throughout the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Its priority areas include enhancing supply chain resilience, advancing manufacturing standards and physics-based qualification methods, and promoting workforce development through training initiatives. Members of the Alliance will engage in working groups, share industry best practices and data, and support educational outreach, including hands-on workshops and topic-specific virtual sessions. Responsible sourcing practices, aligned with U.S. national security objectives, are also a key part of the initiative’s agenda.

The launch of AAAME coincides with a broader trend of securing national supply chains. In February, IperionX Limited secured a contract for up to US$47.1 million from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to advance the development of a reliable, cost-effective, and fully integrated titanium supply chain [1]. Meanwhile, 6K Additive was awarded a $23.4 million DoD grant to bring waste material back into the supply chain, emphasizing the importance of controlling the supply chain from within the borders of the United States [1].

The initiative underscores the growing importance of additive manufacturing in national security. By fostering collaboration and innovation, AAAME aims to position the U.S. at the forefront of additive manufacturing technology, ensuring that the country remains resilient and capable of responding to emerging threats.

References:
[1] https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/ursa-major-launches-aaame-to-strengthen-u-s-additive-manufacturing-ecosystem-242800/