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

On June 5, 2025, Constellium SE (NYSE: CSTM) announced the launch of a collaborative project aimed at enhancing the use of its Aheadd® CP1 aluminum alloy in additive manufacturing specifically for defense and aerospace sectors. This $2.1 million initiative, funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense’s Manufacturing Technology Office, will be led by Nikon Advanced Manufacturing with contributions from industry leaders such as ASTM International and 3Degrees, alongside major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.

Ludovic Piquier, Senior Vice President at Constellium, emphasized the importance of collaboration to unlock potential innovations, highlighting Aheadd® CP1’s capabilities in additive manufacturing. This specially designed aluminum alloy offers excellent strength, thermal conductivity, and printability, making it suitable for critical aerospace applications, including heat exchangers.

Nikon AM’s Vice President Behrang Poorganji affirmed the project’s significance in supporting the United States’ Defense Industrial Base, utilizing Nikon's advanced large-format, multi-laser NXG XII 600 series systems for laser powder bed fusion. The initiative will produce key material property data through rigorous testing, which will be made accessible via the Workbench for Additive Materials (WAM) database. This resource aims to facilitate the qualification and utilization of Aheadd® CP1 by manufacturers in the defense and aerospace industries.

Constellium continues to be a prominent player in producing innovative aluminum products, generating $7.3 billion in revenue in 2024. The collaborative project represents a significant step forward in advancing additive manufacturing technologies and their application in critical sectors, reflecting Constellium's commitment to enhancing performance through innovative materials.

Constellium SE's recent collaboration with leading industry players, including Nikon Advanced Manufacturing and America Makes, marks a pivotal moment in the advancement of aluminum additive manufacturing, particularly for the defense and aerospace sectors. With the backing of a $2.1 million investment from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense’s Manufacturing Technology Office, this project harnesses the strengths of Constellium’s proprietary Aheadd® CP1 aluminum alloy, which boasts high performance, excellent thermal conductivity, and efficiency in production.

From an investment perspective, Constellium’s involvement in this innovative engineering initiative positions the company favorably against its competitors in the growing additive manufacturing landscape, which is projected to reach significant market value in the coming years. The strategic partnership with established defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman further underscores the credibility and potential market reach of Aheadd® CP1, suggesting potential for solid future revenues.

For shareholders and potential investors, this collaboration might signal a pivotal shift—highlighting Constellium's commitment to not only advancing technology but also expanding its customer base within the defense and aerospace markets, known for their resilience and stable demand. As additive manufacturing gains traction for its cost-effectiveness and ability to produce complex parts, Constellium could significantly enhance its market share, thus providing attractive long-term growth prospects.

Furthermore, the project’s outcomes, particularly the testing and sampling of crucial material properties, should solidify Constellium’s reputation as a leader in innovation, potentially driving up stock prices in the future. Investors should closely monitor the project’s developments and consider positions in CSTM as a play on the expanding application of advanced materials technology in high-demand industries.