Auburn University’s NCAME Expands

With more than $13 million in funding from the U.S. Army, Auburn University’s National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME) is expanding its capabilities to meet the growing demand for large, complex metal components critical to Army modernization and sustainment.

With more than $13 million in funding from the U.S. Army, Auburn University’s National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME) is expanding its capabilities to meet the growing demand for large, complex metal components critical to Army modernization and sustainment.

A rendering of a 3D-printed aerospike rocket engine. [Image courtesy of AMCM/EOS]With more than $13 million in funding from the U.S. Army, Auburn University’s National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME) is expanding its capabilities to meet the growing demand for large, complex metal components critical to Army modernization and sustainment.

Central to this expansion are two advanced metal additive manufacturing systems: the FormAlloy L5 and the AMCM M‑4K. The five‑axis FormAlloy L5 direct energy deposition printer features closed‑loop feedback controls designed to enhance process consistency—an essential requirement for producing reliable, large-format parts destined for military systems. The system enables NCAME researchers to develop predictive material models, including fatigue performance, supporting the rigorous qualification standards required for deployment-ready components.

Complementing this capability is the AMCM M‑4K, a heavy-duty, four‑laser metal printer capable of building parts up to one meter tall. Its large build volume addresses previous size limitations and accelerates the transition from prototype development to flight-critical and high-value industrial applications. Together, the systems position NCAME among the nation’s most comprehensive metallic AM research facilities.

Army research leaders emphasize that integrating large-format additive manufacturing is vital to improving battlefield readiness and long-term fleet sustainment. By combining advanced modeling expertise with production-scale equipment, NCAME is helping establish the technical foundation for manufacturing and repairing mission-critical components.

The center is already applying its new capabilities to aerospace production, including work with Bell Textron, supporting one of the Army’s largest aviation initiatives.