Defense Logistics Agency Awards Contract to Develop Innovative 3D Printing Technology for Critical Military Castings
Johnstown, PA, May 30, 2025 — The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has awarded Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) the first option period on a prime contract to demonstrate the feasibility of using 3D printed sand-casting mold technology to produce obsolete yet critical metal castings for the Department of Defense.
The project, valued at a potential $15 million over its total duration, aims to address the challenge of sourcing outdated metal castings due to the unavailability of original designs, patterns, or manufacturers. CTC is collaborating with subcontractor ExOne Operating, LLC, a subsidiary of Desktop Metal, as well as DLA and various metal casting foundries on this initiative.
This project originated from the identified need for a cost-effective and rapid method to produce these critical castings. The first option period contract is valued at $4.3 million and is a testament to the progress made by the project team, according to Ken Sabo, CTC Senior Director, Manufacturing.
“The confidence shown by DLA to award this option period contract is a testament to the good work completed by this project team,” Sabo said. “I’m proud of our accomplishments in demonstrating effective 3D printed molds and cores for sand castings.”
Edward J. Sheehan, Jr., CTC President and CEO, highlighted the importance of the collaboration between CTC and its key partners. “CTC’s decades of expertise in developing metalworking solutions, combined with the strengths of our key partners, were critical differentiators for this effort,” Sheehan said. “Together, we will deliver a robust and reliable solution to help the government produce hard-to-source castings.”
The project is sponsored by the Defense Logistics Agency Information Operations, J68, Research & Development, Ft. Belvoir, VA, and the DLA Troop Support, Philadelphia, PA. CTC is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides applied scientific research and development professional services. The company collaborates with its technology transition affiliate, Enterprise Ventures Corporation, to offer transformative solutions through research, development, test, and evaluation work.
CTC’s capabilities include fully designing, developing, testing, prototyping, and building solutions that safeguard national security, retain U.S. technological advantage, and ensure the primacy of American manufacturing. For more information, visit www.ctc.com.
