America Makes’ Summer Research Project Call Worth $2.1 Million

America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) have announced a new open additive manufacturing (AM) research project call funded through the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Research and Engineering Manufacturing Technology Office (OSD(R&E)) worth a total of $2.1 million. The project call consists of six topic areas of focus. Four awards are anticipated for topics 1-5 with the maximum funding request not to exceed $225,000. Two awards are anticipated for topic 6 and must not exceed $600,000.

Topic Areas

Topics 1-5 result from the actions of the institute and its membership. Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies offer a range of benefits, including unique product geometries, relatively fewer tooling requirements and shorter lead times compared to other manufacturing methods. The industrialization of AM represents an opportunity to convert demonstrated manufacturing capability to capable manufacturing capacity. Industrialization requires cost-effective operating models and practices. These emerging realities require widespread understanding within the domestic supply chain, including manufacturing operational practices that address sustainability and robust quality control.

1. In-Situ Dimensional Verification of Increased-Complexity AM Parts
2. In-Process Sensor Calibration, Characterization Methods and Operating Limits to Yield Reliable Process Data
3. Characterizing and Correlating Coupon to Part Material Properties
4. Novel Low-Cost, High-Productivity Aluminum Manufacturing
5. High-Fidelity Prediction of Residual Stress Distribution in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF)

Topic 6 seeks responses that outline an approach to develop and demonstrate sustainable AM practices and products through design, material selection and development, material handling and/or recycling.

6. Analysis of AM Sustainability and Environmental Benefits

“We are grateful for the diligent efforts put forth by the America Makes Roadmap Advisory Group and Working Groups to assist in identifying these project call topics that directly address member needs,” says Dr. Brandon Ribic, America Makes technology director. “Sustainable manufacturing practices offer the potential to enhance the value proposition and extend the design benefits of AM technologies. This project call offers the opportunity to demonstrate efficiency improvements in material, process and product qualifications while helping to identify and validate life cycle cost reduction methods that aid the environment.”

The deadline for the additive manufacturing research project proposals is set for August 16, at 5 p.m. (ET). September 20 is the date for the anticipated awards announcement. Proposers for the project call are advised to reference the RFP for full details and guidelines at America Makes.

America Makes is the nation’s leading public-private partnership for AM technology and education. The organization members come from industry, academia, government, and workforce and economic development organizations, all working together to accelerate the adoption of AM and the nation’s global manufacturing competitiveness.

Founded in 2012 as the Department of Defense’s national manufacturing innovation institute for AM and the first of the Manufacturing USA network, America Makes is based in Youngstown, Ohio, and managed by the not-for-profit NCDMM.