The US Department of Defense is partnering with industry and academia on an initiative to deliver qualifications for the binder jet additive manufacturing (BJAM) process, machine installation, and material recipes. The BJAM process for metal will be reviewed and compared to current capabilities within a specific facility to determine if it meets or exceeds the current ability of manufacturing aluminum components.
Specific objectives for this effort include the following:
- Delivery and demonstration of a BETA level printer at an approved location along with peripheral equipment. The machine demonstration will be used to create a guide for safely installing BJAM inert machines. Initial test builds will be compared to builds done on an Alpha machine to confirm repeatability between two machines at different locations.
- Enhancement of the build parameters for 6061 Aluminum to then optimize green strength production (a stage within powder metallurgy where the powder is compacted or un-sintered).
- Validation of a dedicated post processing furnace along with curing recipes, ensuring the performance and tolerance metrics will resemble traditionally casted aluminum parts.
- Identification and development of recipes for an additional aluminum alloy of high interest such as 5000 and 7000 series aluminums.
If you feel your organization has the technical capabilities and would like to be considered for this project, please complete the form below and upload your organization’s technical capabilities statement.
Interested Submissions Due by 8/20/24.
We encourage participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), including Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs).
