An Assessment of Air Force Logistics Command's Part Replication Program
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and application of Air Force Logistics Command's parts replication program to alleviate the high cost of contracting out the manufacturing of replacement parts. The program uses thermoplastic injection molded parts as replacements for metal parts. The study found that program had state of the art injection molding equipment. This concluded Computer Aided Design equipment to design parts and molds and Computer Aided Manufacturing equipment to help produce molds. Additionally, the process control system on the injection molder helped the operator control molding parameters and helped diagnose any problems during the molding process. Secondly, the study found that injection molded thermoplastic parts can replace certain metal parts on an airplane. However, these applications were limited to nonstructural parts. The inherent characteristics of thermoplastics gave them an advantage over metals. They were more easily fabricated using injection molding, more durable, corrosion resistant, and cost less to manufacture than current metal parts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA188037
Entities
People
- Bernard L. Shalz
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology