Method for Evaluating Candidates for Additive Manufacturing (AM) Processes

ABSTRACT: A challenge which continues to present a barrier to the utilization of AM and wide spread adoption is knowing when to use the technology. This is particularly problematic in aerospace and in MRO operations because the technology is still emerging, and knowledgeable, experienced practitioners remain in short supply and will likely remain so until the next generation of technicians and engineers are in the workforce. There is a large disparity between those that are truly knowledgeable (practitioners) and those who are familiar with the technology. The more parts/tooling that are built or attempted increases the knowledge base and ultimately will help push the adoption of AM technology. While caution should not be abandoned in exchange for speed, technology can come to the aid of the practitioners. The opportunity and proposed innovation, and subject matter of this proposal, is to determine the feasibility of leveraging advanced shape extraction algorithms, ontology model application, and an extensible knowledgebase to interrogate the depot"s part geometry and ascertain which weapon system components, or perhaps even more appropriate, what supporting production tooling are candidates for AM. BENEFIT: The proposed solution will ultimately result in reduced maintenance and acquisition costs, decreased maintenance lifecycles, and reduction of acquisition cost for the maintenance of various systems. This effort will present a conceptual architecture and design to establish a benchmark and guidelines for the depot sustainment engineers to identify whether AM is a viable and economical alternative to conventional manufacturing methods for legacy weapon tooling and components. Demonstrable prototype of AMAS that will be used to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed AMAS operational system. Success will promote the use of AM in the DoD depots.