NCAME
University-based research center providing AM material qualification, mechanical testing, and process development for aerospace and defense applications, generating standardized performance data to enable adoption of technologies like cold spray repair.
- CEO / Founder
- Nima Shamsaei
- Team Size
- 51-200
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- $9.3M
- Latest Round
- Grant
- Key Investors
- U.S. Department of Defense; National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Technology & Products
Key Products
Mechanical testing and material characterization services; Process qualification and certification (AS9100D, ASTM AMQ); Custom research studies (e.g., cold spray feedstock evaluation); Large-scale metal AM printing (EOS M290, Renishaw RenAM 500Q, 3D Systems DMP 350, AMCM M-4K)
Technological Advantage
NCAME's advantage is its unique position as a university-based certification and qualification authority, not a commercial entity. The center controls the end-to-end process (design, print, test, certify) under one roof, enabling faster qualification cycles. AS9100D, ASTM AMQ, and upcoming partner certifications (e.g., with Blue Origin) create regulatory barriers for competitors. Data output is publicly available, building a long-tail competitive moat for associated materials suppliers (e.g., 6K Additive, Amaero). Independently verified by DARPA, FAA, and Army grants.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Reduces qualification risk and time-to-certification for AM materials and processes, providing validated mechanical performance data that procurement engineers can cite in repair procedures, eliminating the 'data gap' that stalls adoption.
How They Differentiate
AS9100D certification (first U.S. academic center), broad range of AM machines (PBF-LB, DED-Arc, cold spray), central role in Army and FAA qualification projects, public-private partnership model with NASA, extensive partner network (70+ organizations).
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Aerospace and defense OEMs, metal powder producers, government agencies (NASA, DARPA, Army, FAA), supply chain maintenance depots
Industry Verticals
Aerospace; Defense; Space; Industrial; Biomedical
Competitors
Penn State University (CIMP-3D); University of Utah (Materials Research); Florida International University (cold spray consortium)
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
70+ partners; DARPA grants of $2.8M; U.S. Army grants exceeding $13M for large-scale printer acquisitions; expanded from 1 to 5+ major AM machines since 2017
Major Milestones
2017: Founded with NASA; 2018: Founding partner in America Makes; 2022: Received FAA grant for AM material variation study; 2024: Achieved AS9100D certification; 2025: Achieved ASTM AMQ and AMC certifications; acquired AMCM M-4K printer; 2026: Partnerships with Lockheed Martin, 6K Additive; ongoing cold spray qualification study
Notable Customers
NASA; Lockheed Martin; Blue Origin; U.S. Army; FAA; Amaero; Austal USA; 6K Additive; Velo3D