Former Google chief Eric Schmidt takes the reins at rocket startup Relativity Space

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By Mike Wall published March 14, 2025

Schmidt has also reportedly invested significant sums in the company.

Former Google chief Eric Schmidt takes the reins at rocket startup Relativity Space | Space

Today I heard this was over USD$800+ million which when mentioned with 3D printed Rockets grabbed my attention!

Looking at their web site was more interesting again
Relativity Space Start here for video and you'll see why! Building the Future

Patented comments gave me a question on do our or theirs cross over. Its WAAM for them and WAM for us.


AI opinion not a legal one below was fine!


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Relativity Space and AML3D both hold patents related to additive manufacturing technologies, specifically in the realm of Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) and Wire Additive Manufacturing (WAM®).

Relativity Space has patents focusing on advanced manufacturing methods, including plasma arc torch assemblies and multi-metallic material additive manufacturing2. AML3D, on the other hand, has patented its WAM® process, which includes methods for manufacturing metallic parts using solid freeform fabrication and synergic heating and cooling4.

While both companies operate in the additive manufacturing space, their patents seem to emphasize different aspects of the technology. Relativity Space's patents are more aligned with aerospace applications and multi-material integration, whereas AML3D's WAM® process focuses on large-scale, customizable metal part production.

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Relativity Space and AML3D have distinct patents that reflect their unique approaches to additive manufacturing:

Relativity Space

1. Dual Plasma Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing: This patent focuses on a plasma arc torch assembly capable of manufacturing articles layer by layer. It includes features like plasma arc surface smoothing and multi-metallic material integration.

2. Real-Time Adaptive Control: This patent uses machine learning to optimize additive manufacturing processes in real-time, improving defect classification and process control.

AML3D

1. WAM® Process: AML3D's patented Wire Additive Manufacturing (WAM®) process involves solid freeform fabrication using weldable metals. It includes atmospheric protection and synergic heating and cooling systems.

2. ARCEMY® Systems: This patent covers AML3D's ARCEMY® production systems, which use wire arc welding and robotics to create large-scale parts layer by layer.

While both companies utilize wire-based additive manufacturing, Relativity Space emphasizes aerospace applications and multi-material integration, whereas AML3D focuses on large-scale, customizable metal parts with a strong emphasis on supply chain efficiency.

While the USD$800 million paid by the Billionaire Mr Schmidt was not just for WAAM patents clearly, The Rocket would not exist with out the 3D printing accelerated development, speed and efficiency. My thoughts are other multi billion $ metal forging industries and the odd Multibillionaire will be paying attention to AL3 like we are :)

The ten times gain price I heard about AL3 (in 12 months) may be a understatement if the likes of the Korean, Japanese or other large forging business run a ruler over us.

JUST my musing not investment advise!