Optimizing Facilities to Ensure Reliability and Maintainability of Large Metal 3D Printers
NCMS Project #: 142135
Problem: When considering new technology, companies can quickly grasp the benefits and how it can be used to improve customers and their financial bottom line. However, the specifications, sourcing, and installation of this equipment presents several unique challenges that may be outside the scope and experience of an organization’s organic facility manager and technicians.
Benefit: This initiative will use improvements in advanced planning analysis and tools to install metal 3D printers and other capital equipment more efficiently and effectively into commercial and public facilities. The results of the demonstration can be shared with hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and repair shops across a range of commercial industries in the public sector.
Solution/Approach: There is also a great deal to consider when purchasing new capital equipment items as well as the costs and risks to support enlarging and expanding facilities. In all instances, a careful analysis of the technical challenges, equipment procurement, facility capabilities and risks, and project execution is critical to ensure success. The intent of this initiative is to evaluate the current state of the facility at the Rock Island Arsenal to which the equipment is to be installed, to understand its capabilities to meet or exceed the requirements for the installation and operation of the subsection tool. The goal is to ensure that the facility is at an acceptable state as to receive the subsection tool when installation is ready to be executed.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Ensure efficient installation of specialized equipment
- Reduce labor and maintenance costs
- Optimum equipment readiness, performance, and reliability
DOD Participation:
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC)
- Tank Automotive and Armaments Lifecycle Management Command
- Rock Island Arsenal
Industry Participation:
- SAE Government Technologies
- NCMS
Benefit Area(s):
- Cost savings
- Repair turn-around time
- Positive environmental impact
- Safety
- Improved readiness
Focus Area:
- Advanced/additive manufacturing