Tech to Work with Army Re-using Metal

Virginia Tech recently announced that they will be working in a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory in cutting-edge advanced manufacturing research to find better approaches to re-using and reshaping metal.

Central to this work is additive friction stir deposition (AFSD), an advanced 3D-printing process for metals that allows researchers to reshape aluminum, steel, and titanium without fully melting them. By reducing defects and improving strength, AFSD creates faster more efficient ways to produce high-quality components. Beyond military uses, the research has potential applications for automotive manufacturing, sustainability through metal upcycling, and even future space exploration.

Thanks to Virginia Tech, Virginia’s New River Valley continues to stand out as a destination for groundbreaking research and development that translate into real-world impact. For businesses looking to innovate, the NRV offers unmatched opportunities to connect with world-class research and access to a skilled talent pipeline. Companies that choose to collaborate here gain a competitive edge powered by the region’s deep expertise and commitment to the future of manufacturing. Learn how Virginia’s New River Valley is shaping the future of advanced manufacturing — and why the next big breakthrough could start here by visiting TheNRV.org.

Read the Virginia Tech article about the research here.