America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) have recently announced the recipients of funding totalling $2.1 million for various projects under a call released by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering’s Manufacturing Technology Office (OSD(R&E)). The announcement, made in June 2024, focuses on advancing additive manufacturing (AM) technologies in the U.S. manufacturing sector, spotlighting six distinct areas of interest.
Additive manufacturing has been gaining momentum within the industry, primarily due to its ability to reduce lead times, create complex components, and facilitate rapid iterations through on-demand part printing. Despite these advantages, challenges remain, particularly around material and process qualifications, which are critical for achieving the full technological potential of AM. The awarded projects are set to address these challenges, specifically in optimising manufacturing processes to enhance quality, efficiency, and performance for sophisticated parts and components.
Dr. Brandon Ribic, Technology Director at America Makes, expressed confidence in the selected teams when he stated, “We are honoured to convene some of the brightest minds in the industry, who continually provide innovative solutions that position additive technology as the future of manufacturing.” He further noted the importance of tackling the qualification hurdles facing the industry to spur further growth.
The funding recipients are addressing various topics, with specific teams leading the efforts. The winners and their designated project focus areas are as follows:
In-Situ Dimensional Verification of Increased Complexity AM Parts
- Team Lead: RTX Technology Research Center (RTRC)
- Project Team: Velo 3D Inc.
In-Process Sensor Calibration, Characterization Methods, and Operating Limits to Yield Reliable Process Data
- Team Lead: Not awarded
Characterizing and Correlating Coupon to Part Material Properties
- Team Lead: Marotta Controls Inc.
- Project Team: 3D Systems, The Pennsylvania State University, Applied Research Laboratory
Novel Low-Cost, High-Productivity Aluminum Manufacturing
- Team Lead: Edison Welding Institute, Inc. (EWI)
- Project Team: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporate Aeronautics Systems Sector, The Boeing Company
High-Fidelity Prediction of Residual Stress Distribution in Laser Powder Bed Fusion
- Team Lead: The Ohio State University
- Project Team: Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, 3Degrees, Phase3D, Fabrisonic LLC.
Analysis of AM Sustainability and Environmental Benefits
- Team Lead: Not specified in the announcement.
Particularly noteworthy is the focus on sustainable practices in two of the project areas. These initiatives will explore the reutilization and recycling of AM materials, aiming to develop designs and materials that consistently meet rigorous qualifications and performance standards for end-users.
This funding initiative underlines the government’s strategic aim to bolster U.S. manufacturing technologies, particularly through innovations in additive manufacturing, which is poised to play an increasingly vital role in the production landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services