Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has been in the business of advancing cutting-edge research and technology for over 90 years, focusing on research that produces both immediate and long-term applications in US defense. The NRL, and the entire Navy itself, had already jumped on the 3D metal printing bandwagon, but a recent announcement shows us that the researchers at the lab are not content to rest on their proverbial laurels. The lab has acquired its first laser powder-bed metals machine, for use in enhancing its materials research and rapid prototyping. NRL chose the M2 cusing machine, by manufacturer of power-bed laser metal additive manufacturing systems Concept Laser. The NRL plans to use its new M2 to strengthen its focus on metal additive manufacturing. Read more at 3DPrint.com: http://3dprint.com/166240/nrl-acquires-m2-cusing-machine/