NCMS Project #: 142348
Problem: American manufacturing faces several challenges in the future – availability of resources, an educated workforce, an understanding of climate change impacts, and the need to assess technology paths that align with the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). The Department of Defense (DOD) has its own manufacturing and sustainment challenges that it needs to address. For instance, threats in the future from foreign adversaries will require us to be more agile in providing the right solution to the warfighter, at the right place and at the right time. In addition to future threats, the DOD needs to address the sustainability of their aging weapon systems, many surpassing 30 years of age, as they work to modernize future fleets.
Benefit: The results from this effort can then be used as a blueprint for utilization of AM technologies to propel industry forward in this capability creating jobs and supporting a thriving American economy.
Solution/Approach: This project aims to investigate a family of potential Additive Manufacturing (AM) capabilities, develop a process flow for decision making in this space, develop a design of experiments, and test to determine the validity of the process flow developed. The design of experiments will consider the derived metrics and needs of the DOD in order to maintain the safety and security of the warfighter.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Reduce long lead times
- Improve decision making
- Decrease maintenance and sustainment costs
DOD Participation:
- U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center
Industry Participation:
- Comprehensive Carbon Impact (CCI)
- NCMS
Benefit Area(s):
- Cost savings
- Positive environmental impact
- Improved readiness
- Durability
Mx Focus Area:
- Advanced/Additive Manufacturing
