America Makes Awards $16.5 Million for Supplier Qualification and Refractory Alloys
America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining have announced the winners of two major project calls worth a total of $16.5 million. The JAQS-SQ and PADAM 2.0 programs aim to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base through the qualification of additive manufacturing suppliers and the development of new high-performance alloys.
- $10.5 million awarded to the JAQS-SQ program to qualify LPBF and DED suppliers
- 29 companies selected for training and qualification audits
- $6 million allocated for the development of high-temperature refractory alloys
- Projects funded by the Department of Defense for aerospace and military applications
JAQS-SQ: supplier qualification for defense
The $10.5 million program aims to create a network of certified suppliers for LPBF and DED technologies, with hands-on training and compliance audits.
The Joint Additive Qualification for Sustainment – Supplier Qualification (JAQS-SQ – Groups 2 & 3) is funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of War, Manufacturing Technology Office. The program expands the original JAQS-SQ project to strengthen the capabilities of the defense industrial base.
The objective is to unify the training and qualification requirements for suppliers using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and directed energy deposition (DED). These two technologies represent the most critical processes for the production of metal components for military and aerospace applications.
Training and certification
Wichita State University – National Institute for Aviation Research (WSU‑NIAR) will develop practical training for production operations and engineering managers. The program will teach how to effectively implement process control documents and qualification principles.
After completing the training, suppliers will undergo audits to confirm their ability to operate as qualified AM manufacturers for the Department of Defense. This process ensures uniform standards across the supply chain.
The 29 selected winners
A mix of established companies and innovative startups makes up the list of suppliers that will receive training and qualification.
| Category | Examples of selected companies |
|---|---|
| Aerospace OEMs | Collins Aerospace, GKN Aerospace |
| Energy Suppliers | Baker Hughes Energy Transition, Eaton Corporation |
| Emerging Technologies | Seurat Technologies, Hadrian Automation |
| Advanced Materials | Elementum 3D, FormAlloy Technologies |
The complete list includes 29 companies, including ADDiTEC, Hyperscale Manufacturing, AML3D USA, American Prime Technologies, Armadillo Additive, Cumberland Additive, FASTECH, Innovative 3D Manufacturing, Laser Welding Solutions, Materials Sciences, MRL Materials Resources, National Equipment Corporation (NECO), Nikon AM Synergy and Norsk Titanium US.
Other selected companies are Print Metal, Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Companies (ITAMCO), Mimo Technik and GTC.
PADAM 2.0: refractory alloys for high temperatures
The second $6 million program focuses on developing high-temperature refractory alloys for critical defense applications.
The Powder Alloy Development for Additive Manufacturing (PADAM) 2.0 is funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory, Foundational Technologies Directorate (AFRL/REMD). The goal is to advance the technological maturity, producibility, and performance of high-temperature refractory alloys for AM applications relevant to the Department of Defense.
Metallic materials capable of maintaining excellent mechanical properties at extreme temperatures, essential for turbine components, thrusters, and hypersonic systems.
The program also aims to strengthen the resilience of the supply chain for these critical materials. HRL Laboratories leads one of the project teams for Topic 1, while Colorado School of Mines is involved in multiple projects and leads the team for Topic 3.
Impact on the defense industrial base
The two programs represent a strategic investment to create certified domestic production capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
The overall $16.5 million initiative demonstrates the Department of Defense's commitment to consolidating a network of qualified AM suppliers on the national territory. The standardization of qualification processes will reduce time and costs for the adoption of 3D printed components in critical applications.
The combination of supplier qualification (JAQS-SQ) and materials development (PADAM 2.0) creates an integrated ecosystem. The new materials developed through PADAM 2.0 can be produced by certified suppliers through JAQS-SQ, accelerating the path from research to production.
article written with the help of artificial intelligence systems
Q&A
What is the total amount funded by America Makes in these calls?
The total allocated amount is $16.5 million. This sum covers two distinct programs: JAQS-SQ for supplier qualification and PADAM 2.0 for alloy development.
How many companies were selected for the JAQS-SQ program?
Twenty-nine companies were selected to participate in the training and audit program. The group includes both established aerospace OEMs and innovative startups in emerging technology sectors.
Which additive manufacturing technologies are involved in the project?
The program specifically focuses on Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technologies. These processes are considered critical for producing military metal components.
What is the funding amount dedicated to refractory alloys?
Six million dollars have been allocated to the development of new high-temperature refractory alloys. This fund is part of the PADAM 2.0 program supported by the Department of Defense.
Who will handle the hands-on training for the selected suppliers?
Wichita State University – National Institute for Aviation Research (WSU‑NIAR) will develop and deliver the hands-on training. The course is aimed at managers and engineers for implementing process controls.
