(Editors Note; the announcement below from "Skuld LLC" of Piqua, Ohio could potentially revolutionize heat treat castings as the company is researching how this technology can be applied to heat treat alloys such as HU, HK, etc.).

See an example of a part we've regularly cast in 6061. Regarding things that may be of interest for the average heat treater, first the development of cast alloys that are wrought will likely require new heat treat recipes since the base material is not the same starting microstructure. Second, since we have developed the ability to lost foam cast steel, we are doing a lot of work in casting steels including getting into casting heat treat equipment alloys like HU, HK, etc. The AMEC process can also be used to make these without tooling such as for spares.

"Skuld Advances Material Conversion Research Under DARPA's Rubble to Rockets (R2R) Program

Piqua, OH – 2026 – Skuld LLC announces it is leading a project in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Rubble to Rockets (R2R) program, which seeks methods to convert scrap metal into usable components through advanced manufacturing approaches. Skuld contributes research in alloy characterization, casting evaluations, and AI-supported design methodologies.

Research Focus Areas The work within the R2R program includes:

· AI-assisted spark-testing for alloy identification and composition measurement.

· AI prediction microstructure and mechanical material behavior prediction led by WPI and MatMicronia.

· Ability to produce a wide range of aluminum and steel alloys from scrap including in thin walled geometries and pressure vessels.

Recent research results demonstrated the elimination of cracking in complex geometries and the ability to achieve typical wrought strength from material that had only been cast and heat treated. A patent application has been filed related to aspects of this work for the ability to cast typical wrought grades such as 6061 and 7075.

Additive Manufacturing Evaporative Casting (AMEC) Skuld's Additive Manufacturing Evaporative Casting (AMEC) process uses additive patterns for rapid investment casting without tooling. The research explores opportunities to support production of components when conventional supply chains are limited.

Field-Deployable Manufacturing Concepts As part of its R2R contributions, Skuld is developing small, portable casting systems intended to enable on-demand part production in constrained environments. These early prototypes aim to support greater flexibility in defense and emergency operations.

Program Collaboration The R2R program includes contributions from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Foundry Casting Systems, MatMicronia LLC, and other research partners working across materials science, AI/machine learning, and advanced manufacturing.

"Through the R2R effort, we are evaluating casting approaches, alloy behavior, and the use of AI tools that expand options for producing components in challenging environments," said Sarah Jordan, CEO of Skuld LLC.

About Skuld LLC; Skuld LLC is an advanced materials and manufacturing technology company focused on 3d printing and casting processes. The company operates a full-scale facility in Piqua, Ohio, equipped for melting, mold production, machining, and metallurgical analysis. Its leadership team includes CEO Sarah Jordan and CTO Mark DeBruin.

Skuld's work includes the development of its Additive Manufacturing Evaporative Casting (AMEC) process, an indirect additive manufacturing approach that uses printed patterns to create molds for near-net-shape castings. AMEC is being evaluated for its potential to reduce tooling requirements, support rapid iteration, and expand casting options across multiple alloy systems.

Media Contact Sarah Jordan, CEO [email protected] 330-423-7339"