One Year of FormAlloy’s Application Development Center

Step inside FormAlloy’s Application Development Center, and you’ll hear something new—the rhythmic hum of lasers, the quiet pulse of cooling systems, and the occasional click of innovation snapping into place.

It’s not a lab in the clouds or a factory lost in science fiction. It’s real. It’s metal. And it’s here to change how we build the things that move the world.

In this one-year-old facility tucked into Southern California, engineers aren’t just watching machines—they’re collaborating with them. Directed Energy Deposition (DED) systems, the workhorses of this space, are building metal parts one layer at a time. Some fix old components. Some create entirely new ones. But every spark tells a story of what’s possible when manufacturing finally catches up with imagination.

From Empty to Amazing in 12 Months

When we first opened the doors, the place was empty. It didn’t look like much. There were no machines, no tools, or no sparks.

Today, you wouldn’t recognize it. DED machines hum along. Parts get built every day. And people walk through the doors with ideas, and walk out with real parts.

It is not just a workshop. It’s a playground for metal innovation.

Why We Built It: To Help the World Build Smarter

We built the Application Development Center for one big reason: To help more people use metal 3D printing.

DED technology is powerful. It can build metal parts, fix broken ones, and save material. But many companies still haven’t seen what it can do. We wanted to change that.

So, we made a place where anyone—from engineers to students—can see DED in action.
We built it to turn big ideas into real metal parts.

What’s Happening Inside the Center? A Lot.

This center is always busy. Every day, our DED systems are printing, repairing, and testing. You’ll find powder-fed systems, wire-fed systems, and metal parts growing one layer at a time.

We don’t just run machines. We work with companies to try new things, improve designs, and make better products. We run training sessions. We host workshops. We solve real-world problems with real tools.

It’s not a demo lab. It’s a launchpad for real production.

Meet the Machines: The Stars of the Show

Our DED systems use lasers to melt metal powder or wire. They build parts layer by layer, with incredible detail and speed.

Think of them as metal glue guns, but smarter. They can make new parts or fix broken ones. And they can use cool metals like titanium and Inconel.

If you’ve never seen a laser dance across metal, it’s time.

Learning, Testing, Building—All in One Place

We made this center for learning as much as for building. Visitors come here to try new ideas and see what works.

We help them test settings, materials, and shapes. We train them on DED systems so they can take that knowledge home.

This place is where a lot of “what ifs” become “we did it.”

The People Make It Work

Technology is great. But people make it powerful. Our team is full of smart, curious problem-solvers. We don’t just answer questions—we ask better ones.

Customers and partners are part of this, too. They bring fresh ideas and tough challenges. We bring tools, knowledge, and the will to figure it out.

Together, we’ve turned this center into something bigger than we imagined.

 

Why DED Is the Future of Manufacturing

Directed Energy Deposition isn’t new, but it’s ready for its big moment. It’s faster and more flexible than many other types of metal printing. 

It’s great for repairing parts in aerospace, energy, and defense. It works for large parts that other 3D printers can’t handle. It wastes less material. And it saves money.

DED is not just cool—it’s practical. And it’s ready for production.

We’re Just Getting Started

This is only year one. We have big plans.

We’re adding more machines. We’re building new tools. And we’re starting more projects with more partners.

We want to help more companies bring metal additive manufacturing into their shops. We want to make DED easier, faster, and smarter. We’re here for the long haul—and we’re just warming up.

Final Thoughts: Why FormAlloy?

FormAlloy isn’t just a company. We’re a team of builders, thinkers, and problem-solvers.

We don’t sell machines and walk away. We walk with you—from idea to application to production.

Our Application Development Center proves that we believe in this tech. We invest in people, projects, and possibilities.

Want to build stronger parts? Save time and material? Ready to see lasers turn metal into magic?

👉 Visit FormAlloy. Let’s build what’s next—together.

FAQs: All About FormAlloy, DED, and Our Center

  1. What does DED stand for?

DED means Directed Energy Deposition. It’s a type of 3D printing that uses a laser and metal powder or wire to build strong metal parts.

  1. What makes FormAlloy different?

We don’t just sell systems—we help you build success. Our team works with you to develop applications, solve problems, and scale production.

  1. What kinds of parts can DED make?

DED is great for building large parts, fixing damaged ones, and printing complex shapes. It works well in aerospace, energy, defense, and more.

  1. What metals can you use with DED?

We work with metals like titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, copper, cobalt chrome, and other high-performance alloys.

  1. Is DED good for fixing parts?

Yes. You can use DED to repair expensive parts like turbine blades, molds, and aerospace components.

  1. Can I test my ideas at the Application Development Center?

Yes. That’s what it’s for. You can work with our team to try new ideas and develop real applications.

  1. Can we use DED for full production?

Yes. DED is already being used to make production-grade parts in many industries.

  1. How do I learn how to use DED systems?

We offer hands-on training, workshops, and support. We’ll teach you everything you need to know to get started.

  1. What is powder-fed vs. wire-fed DED?

Powder-fed DED uses metal powder. Wire-fed DED uses metal wire. Both have unique benefits depending on your part and process.

  1. How do I get started with FormAlloy?

Reach out. We’ll schedule a call or a visit. You can bring your ideas, and we’ll help you bring them to life.

FormAlloy team members present a certificate of achievement at the Application Development Center’s first anniversary, celebrating innovation in Directed Energy Deposition technology.