FormAlloy X5R DED System to Be Installed at Neighborhood 91
The Californer/10313668

PITTSBURGH, May 13, 2025 ~ The Neighborhood 91 campus, a hub for advanced manufacturing innovation and supply chain advancement in the United States, is set to expand its capabilities with the addition of a FormAlloy X5R Directed Energy Deposition (DED) system. This cutting-edge technology, which features an integrated robotic arm, will be the first of its kind to be deployed at the campus.

FormAlloy has been in the market since 2017, but this new X5R delivery marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time this advanced additive manufacturing technology is used with a robotic arm. Currently, an X5R system is already in operation at FormAlloy's Application Development Center in San Diego, CA.

The acquisition of this system was made possible through the Resilient Manufacturing Ecosystem (RME) program managed by The Barnes Global Advisors (TBGA) and funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) through its Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program. The RME program aims to derisk the adoption of advanced manufacturing to meet the needs of the DoD.

HAMR Industries will operate the X5R system at Neighborhood 91 to develop next-generation components designed for extreme environments. This includes components for propulsion, hypersonics, and support for the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) advanced manufacturing initiatives.

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According to HAMR Industries CEO Michael Schmitt, one of the standout features of the X5R is its ability to operate with multiple feedstocks and build meter-sized components with functional grade materials. "We expect to utilize both wire and powder capabilities to balance economics with part size and complexity," he said.

The integration of an innovative robotic arm into the X5R system also caught attention from industry leaders. Melanie Lang, CEO of FormAlloy, explained that they saw a demand for scalable DED technology and developed this robotic arm to significantly increase build volume. "This meets industry needs for larger and more complex components," she added.

Jennifer Coyne, Director of Operations at The Barnes Global Advisors, emphasized the broader significance of this acquisition. "RME was established as a model to demonstrate how to structure a sustainable advanced manufacturing supply chain. The ability to integrate innovative equipment like the X5R provides immense value in moving this endeavor forward," she said.

The installation of the X5R system at Neighborhood 91 further solidifies its role as a leading hub for advanced manufacturing in the United States. The system will be introduced later this year during the campus's first Defense Day Open House, showcasing its capabilities and potential for future advancements in the industry.

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