The America Makes organization and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) have launched a new call for projects with a total volume of 6.6 million US dollars. The call, “Improvements in Manufacturing Productivity via Additive Capabilities and Techno-Economic Analysis 2.0” (IMPACT 2.0), focuses on two key areas to increase lead time, productivity and yield in the casting and forging industry using 3D printing technologies. Seven funded projects are expected.
The IMPACT 2.0 call is divided into two parts. Part A (5.1 million US dollars) covers four topics. Applying functional surfaces to forgings, best practices for 3D printed sand molds/cores, process selection analysis tool and ensuring industrial uptake. Part B ($1.5 million) is a two-stage “rapid casting” demonstration challenge.
“The U.S. casting and forging industry has faced capability and capacity challenges in recent decades, causing shortages of key components for weapons and platforms,” explains John Martin, AM research director at America Makes.
The goal is to disseminate and further develop mature 3D printing technologies to enhance casting production and test them in real-world demand scenarios. “In doing so, we want to develop advanced solutions in the casting and forging industry and mitigate risks to the supply chain,” says Martin.
The call for projects runs until June 14 (Part A) and June 28 (Part B). A kick-off event will take place on April 11. Members of America Makes can apply until May 29 (Part A) or June 12 (Part B). Funding decisions are scheduled to be announced on July 24.
Further details can be found here.
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