CTMA Project #: 142264
Problem:
Metal AM solutions must be able to operate in a distributed manufacturing manner and be deployable at point of need locations both at sea and on land. The biggest issue with using powder-based systems in the field is the fragility of the process. If the powder feedstock is contaminated or the system moves or tilts, the metal AM system will be rendered unusable. Additionally excessive vibrations can disrupt the process creating uncontrolled part quality.
Benefit:
AM technology can have a significant impact in advancing a future where parts can be manufactured as needed on site. This results in significant savings of transportation costs, warehousing costs, and inventory reduction and an overall lower environmental burden and alleviate potential supply chain issues.
Solution/Approach:
Recently Liquid Metal Printing (LMP) technology has entered the metal AM market and has demonstrated capabilities that position it as an attractive metal AM solution for deployable environments both at sea and on land forward locations. This initiative will focus on two principal areas of accelerating the adoption of LMP in the Department of the Navy (DON): The first is focused on enhancing the deployability of the LMP technology; the second is focused on establishing AM education hubs to enable parts-on-demand printing for Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO) applications.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Provide maintenance and repair capabilities in the field to meet specific needs
- Define use requirements and review key educational needs
- Lessen environmental impacts through decreased part supply chain traffic
- Increase readiness and reduce dependency on supply chain fluctuations
DOD Participation:
- Naval Post Graduate School
Industry Participation:
- Xerox
- NCMS
