CTMA Project #: 140730
Problem: Parts availability is being severely impacted by several factors: 1) by a shrinking industrial base (diminishing sources of supply), 2) by aging DoD weapon systems needs for components that are no longer in production, 3) low volume requirements, 4) and by the lack of capable artisans and tradesmen resulting from workforce aging. Driven by these realities and our weapons systems sustainment objectives, a transformative rapid production arena is being exploited by the DoD MPP, Additive Manufacturing (AM).
Benefit: AM has the potential to produce a part “recipe” for a difficult-to-get/make parts that could quickly be transmitted to a depot or FOB for build in the field or ship for build at sea. The RARE team provides a broad depth of knowledge and real-world experience, as well as updates on the latest research and development in AM.
Solution/Approach: The RARE Parts initiative, as an industry-government user driven body working to mature the AM system builders and their design and construction of machinery systems as a whole to benefit U.S. industrial production base use, looks to address those challenges that currently limit adoption and widespread use of AM technology by industry and by the public at large by:
- Engaging the RARE Parts collaboration to actively participate on ASTM-ISO standardization development bodies and on the NIST AM testing and measurements authorative group.
- Investigating manufacturability of prototype and spare parts using AM for armament and other team defined applications.
- Collaborating on DARPA’s Open Manufacturing AM process parameter “schema” collection, storing and sharing data throughout industry and government.
- Working with MSAT Database (Army Research Lab-NASA) usage throughout industry and government to place AM materials properties-AM process data into a centralized public repository.
- Broadening the application horizon with investigation of AM printed electronics.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Accessible, trustworthy characterization and qualification data on AM materials and processing systems for design and application needs.
- Increase in parts availability and weapon systems readiness.
- Reduce foreign outsourcing and improve national economy
DOD Participation:
- U.S. Navy (FRC East)
- U.S. Navy (FRC Southwest)
- U.S. Army (Picatinny)
- U.S. Army (Corpus Christi)
- U.S. Army (Tobyhanna)
- U.S. Army (Anniston)
- U.S. Navy (NUWC Keyport)
- U.S. Navy (TRF Kings Bay)
- U.S. Navy (NFPC Philadelphia)
- U.S. Navy (China Lake)
- U.S. Navy (Portsmouth)
- U.S. Navy (Pearl Harbor)
- U.S. Air Force (Oklahoma City)
- U.S. DoE NNSA (Honeywell FM&T)
- NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center
Industry Participation:
- UTC Pratt & Whitney
- General Pattern
- H.A. Burrow Pattern Works
- Lockheed Martin Missile & Fire Control
- Baxter Healthcare
- UTC Aerospace
- Met-L-Flo
- Applied Technology Integration
- NCMS
Benefit Area(s):
- Cost savings
- Obsolescence management and continued maintenance capability
- Positive environmental impact
- Safety
- Improved readiness
Focus Area:
- Additive/advanced manufacturing
