Evaporative Casting for Aluminum Plug Tube Fitting

There is a need for rapid replacement parts for sustainment activities. Specifically, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking innovative solutions to solve their most critical supply chain requirements. The current parts list includes “Plug, Tube Fitting” for National Stock Number 4730-00-862-3315 which is a threaded fitting made of aluminum. Rapid Machined Lost Foam (RMLF) and Additive Manufacturing Evaporative Casting (AMEC) are two processes that can solve DLA’s sourcing problems. Parts have been made using these methods for rapid replacement of various components made in aluminum. Rapid replacement parts have been produced in as little as twelve hours. This project proposes to reverse engineer the 4730-00-862-3315 component and then demonstrate these methods for producing products for testing and evaluation for military use. Similar threaded components at 8 threads per inch have been produced which were used as cast with zero post process machining due to the level of precision that is possible. However, heat treating, machining, anodizing, and any other processes will be conducted as needed based on the results of reverse engineering.