Snowbird Technologies
Traditional supply chain channels for replacement parts are unreliable and leave warfighters in potentially dangerous situations.
In recent years, advanced 3D printing capabilities have led to the testing and deployment of additive manufacturing in defense settings. These solutions brought the parts inventory closer to the frontlines but were stationary units not designed to be moved once installed, resulting in parts delivery delays to warfighters in contested environments. These systems are often limited to the production of small parts, which does not benefit a unit in need of a large component. Therefore, deficiencies still exist in utilizing additive manufacturing to improve delivery times, the factor of proximity to the end user, and the machine’s part-size production capability.
Mobile large-format AM machines can deliver new capabilities and support mission sustainment at speed and scale. Built inside standard shipping containers, these machines are transported through the existing logistics infrastructure and produce large metal parts onsite in any environment. Designed with additive and subtractive capabilities, these machines can produce high-tolerance interim parts within hours. This robust solution does not rely on physical tooling, an onsite parts inventory, or a stable and controlled environment. Rather, mobile AM machines are designed to successfully produce parts in the same environments in which warfighters operate. Snowbird Technologies offers one of the most capable and durable of these systems on the market – SAMM Tech.
Deployable Containerized Advanced Manufacturing in a Single MILVAN
Problem:
The availability of repair and replacement parts for equipment in contested environments remains a critical need for expeditionary defense forces and remote industrial operations. Traditional supply chain and logistics channels are unreliable and leave warfighters in potentially dangerous situations. In recent years, advanced 3D printing capabilities have led to the testing and deployment of additive manufacturing in defense settings. These solutions have brought the parts inventory closer to the frontlines but are characterized as stationary units not designed to be moved once installed, resulting in parts delivery delays to warfighters in contested environments. In addition, these systems are often limited to the production of small parts, which does not benefit a unit in need of a large component, such as a tank bogie, to continue operations. Therefore, deficiencies still exist in utilizing additive manufacturing to improve delivery times, the factor of proximity to the end user, and the machine’s part-size production capability.
Technology Solution:
Mobile large-format additive manufacturing machines can deliver new capabilities and support mission sustainment at speed and scale. Built inside standard shipping containers, these machines are transported through the existing logistics infrastructure and can produce large metal parts onsite in any environment. Designed with both additive — metal, composite, and plastic 3D printing — and subtractive — spindle, laser, plasma, and water — manufacturing capabilities, these machines can produce high-tolerance interim or end-use parts for equipment, machine, and system repairs in a matter of hours. This is the answer to combating prolonged supply chain lead times. This robust solution does not rely on physical tooling, an onsite parts inventory, or a stable and controlled environment. Rather, mobile additive manufacturing machines are designed to successfully produce parts in remote, harsh environments – the same in which warfighters operate. Mobility allows for easy transportation with other equipment to forward operating bases and expeditionary forces in contested environments and is ready for use within minutes of set up.
Benefits:
The benefits of mobile large-format additive manufacturing machines for logistics and mission readiness are numerous and include on-demand parts production in close proximity to the end user; production of complex and obsolete parts; reduction of inventoried parts; reduction of equipment downtime and failures; and improvement of mission self-sufficiency and sustainment.
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