Constellium Joins America Makes Project to Advance Use of Aluminum Additive Manufacturing in Defense and Aerospace

Rhea-AI Summary

Constellium SE (NYSE: CSTM) has launched a $2.1 million collaborative project with Nikon Advanced Manufacturing and America Makes to expand the use of its Aheadd® CP1 aluminum alloy in defense and aerospace additive manufacturing. The project, funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense's Manufacturing Technology Office through America Makes, involves major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. The initiative will focus on generating material property data using Nikon SLM Solutions' large-format NXG XII 600 series laser powder bed fusion systems. Aheadd® CP1, designed specifically for additive manufacturing, offers high strength, thermal conductivity, and excellent printability for mission-critical components. Results will be shared via the Workbench for Additive Materials database to support industry qualification.

Positive

• Secured $2.1 million in project funding from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense
• Partnership with major defense contractors including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Honeywell
• Potential expansion into high-value defense and aerospace markets
• Development of proprietary high-performance aluminum alloy technology

Negative

• None.

Insights

Materials Science and Aerospace Engineering Expert

Constellium's strategic $2.1M collaboration advances its specialized aluminum alloy into critical defense/aerospace additive manufacturing applications, enhancing industry positioning.

This collaboration represents a significant strategic advancement for Constellium's specialized Aheadd® CP1 aluminum alloy in the additive manufacturing (AM) space. The $2.1 million project backed by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense's Manufacturing Technology Office brings substantial credibility and resources to expand the material's applications.

What makes this particularly noteworthy is the caliber of partners involved. Collaboration with defense industry titans like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Honeywell Aerospace Technologies provides Constellium with direct pathways to high-value defense contracts. These relationships typically translate to long-term, stable revenue streams once materials become qualified for defense applications.

The technical advantages of Aheadd® CP1 are precisely aligned with critical defense and aerospace requirements: high strength, excellent thermal conductivity, and superior printability. The alloy's ability to be processed at high speeds while maintaining stability significantly reduces production costs and time-to-market for complex components.

Most importantly, the database development aspect of this project will create an industry-wide resource through the Workbench for Additive Materials (WAM). This positions Constellium's material as a standardized option for defense manufacturers, potentially creating a sustainable competitive advantage in the rapidly growing metal AM market. The involvement of ASTM International further suggests this initiative could influence future industry standards for aluminum alloys in additive manufacturing.

PARIS, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Constellium SE (NYSE: CSTM) today announced the kick off of a new collaborative project with Nikon Advanced Manufacturing (Nikon AM), America Makes, and a team of industry leaders to expand the use of its Aheadd^® CP1 aluminum alloy for additive manufacturing in defense and aerospace applications.

The $2.1 million project is funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense’s Manufacturing Technology Office (ODS ManTech) through America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute. This project is led by Nikon AM with the collaboration of ASTM International and 3Degrees, along with guidance from top defense contractors including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, and others.

“This project underscores the power of collaboration to drive meaningful innovation,” said Ludovic Piquier, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing Excellence and Chief Technology Officer at Constellium. “Aheadd^® CP1 continues to demonstrate its value in additive manufacturing, and we look forward to unlocking even greater potential in the aerospace and defense industries with our partners.”

“Nikon AM is proud to lead this initiative,” said Behrang Poorganji, Ph.D., Vice President, Technology, Nikon AM. “Additive manufacturing (AM) offers many opportunities for the aerospace and defense markets, and material selection is a key to AM success. We are excited to support the United States’ Defense Industrial Base with this groundbreaking project using Nikon SLM Solutions’ large-format, multi-laser NXG XII 600 series laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) systems.”

Constellium’s Aheadd^® CP1 is a high-performance aluminum alloy designed specifically for additive manufacturing. Its strength, thermal conductivity, and excellent printability—allowing high-speed productivity and stability to avoid post-processing—make it ideal for demanding applications such as heat exchangers and other mission-critical components.

The project will generate key material property data through testing on Nikon SLM Solutions’ L-PBF systems. Results will be shared via the Workbench for Additive Materials (WAM) database to support qualification and use by defense and aerospace manufacturers.

About Constellium

Constellium (NYSE: CSTM) is a global sector leader that develops innovative, value-added aluminum products for a broad scope of markets and applications, including aerospace, packaging and automotive. Constellium generated $7.3 billion of revenue in 2024.

www.constellium.com

Media Contacts
Investor Relations	Communications
Jason Hershiser	Delphine Dahan-Kocher
Phone: +1 443 988 0600	Phone: +1 443 420 7860
investor-relations@constellium.com	delphine.dahan-kocher@constellium.com

FAQ

What is the value of Constellium's (CSTM) new defense and aerospace project?

The project is valued at $2.1 million and is funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense's Manufacturing Technology Office through America Makes.

Who are the major partners in Constellium's (CSTM) additive manufacturing project?

The project includes Nikon Advanced Manufacturing, America Makes, ASTM International, 3Degrees, and defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Honeywell Aerospace Technologies.

What is Constellium's Aheadd® CP1 aluminum alloy used for?

Aheadd® CP1 is a high-performance aluminum alloy designed for additive manufacturing, specifically for demanding applications like heat exchangers and mission-critical components in defense and aerospace industries.

What technology will be used in Constellium's aerospace manufacturing project?

The project will use Nikon SLM Solutions' large-format, multi-laser NXG XII 600 series laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) systems for testing and data generation.

How will the results of CSTM's defense manufacturing project be shared?

The material property data and results will be shared through the Workbench for Additive Materials (WAM) database to support qualification and use by defense and aerospace manufacturers.