State of Vermont Phase 2
Abstract
As a result of our outreach efforts in identifying, mapping the supply chain and assisting Vermont s defense-related business in the scope of our original, Phase 1 OEA grant, we identified a group precision metal working firms that understood the need to build a new capability in additive manufacturing. These firms currently employ subtractive manufacturing methods using CNC machines to remove material to fabricate parts. They had identified the potential benefits of moving to additive manufacturing, but the cost of a metals based deposition printer on which to conduct R&D work and prototyping is beyond the financial resources of the individual firms. In addition, the firms exploring deposition printing expressed the concern that they would need employees that were able to work using this new technology. As a result, we convened meetings including the businesses and staff of Vermont Technical College (VTC) to ascertain the interest in a partnership in which the businesses will come together to purchase a single machine. This machine would be located at VTC and would be available to the school during regular class hours for training students in additive manufacturing operations and would be available to the participating defense-related businesses nights, weekends and holiday periods for their R&D and prototyping needs. The proposed grant proceeds will be used for exploring the feasibility of the relationship, planning for the purchase and installation of the equipment and for the development of an additive manufacturing curriculum at the school. This application seeks $146,100 in grant funding to help create a Vermont additive manufacturing partnership that plans to; 1) test the feasibly of jointly purchasing and operating advanced metals deposition printing equipment that will be housed at Vermont Technical College where it will be used for training and research by the school and University of Vermont and used for R&D and proto-typing in off-hours by defense-related businesses; 2) and, if the project proves to be feasible, will plan for the purchase and installation of the equipment, the development of a teaching curriculum, the coordination on the equipment’s operation and the development of the partnership that will oversee the effort and will; 3) implement the plan for creating the partnership, installing the equipment, beginning the educational program and running the business R&D and proto-typing programs. This program will support the needs of DoD by allowing our defense-related businesses to start the transition from the lathing, milling and grinding of parts in the current paradigm of subtractive manufacturing to the more efficient method of additive manufacturing. Additive Manufacturing is expected to allow businesses to produce more complex parts, with fewer components, faster and with less waste. This work reinforces DoD s larger mission, by building intellectual capacity within the supply chain, capitalizing on competitive strengths, spurring innovation, enhancing capabilities, improving readiness, and promoting stability and resiliency of the defense supply chain, all of which are critical elements in bolstering national security and supporting the warfighter. As a result, DoD will receive better, more innovative, parts, faster and at lower cost.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 04, 2020
- Source ID
- HQ00051810050
Entities
People
- Brett Long
Organizations
- Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation
- Office of the Secretary of Defense