DLA Research & Development's objective is to leverage our relationship with industry to ensure a robust and capable industrial base, generate innovative and efficient solutions, and maintain a secure and resilient supply chain. In addition, define DLA’s strategic role in DoD’s evolving additive manufacturing (AM) ecosystem and enabling the DLA business processes that allow integration of AM parts into DLA’s supply chains.
Innovation & Technology
Using emerging digital automation tools, DLA can leverage DOD aggregate manufacturing data, known as the 5Ms – manpower, machine, material, methods, and metrics -- with business analytics to deliver the most efficient solution to the point of need.
Strategic Thrusts
- Active support for a highly connected and collaborative defense manufacturing enterprise
- Active support for a strong institutional focus on manufacturability and manufacturing process maturity
Program Challenge
The challenge is parts obsolescence and long lead times have a direct impact on warfighter readiness.
Solution
Integrate AM into the supply chain and broker essential AM data for the appropriate DoD organizations.
Steps
Identify AM Candidates
Automate requirements identification driven by the military services' mission or by DLA's enterprise data analysis
Build Models and Tests
Normalize technical data packages for AM 3D models and digital manufacturing data to enable procurement and competition
Broker Technical Data
Establish a data sharing capability as prescribed by OSD and in joint fashion with the military services for a secure exchange of data to enable AM procurement
Integrate with Supply Chain
Implement contracting procedures that address digital manufacturing requirements and drives AM competition, standardization and quality compliance
Benefits
- Potential reduction of wait times, backorders and part obsolesce to improve readiness
- Potential savings from digital technologies enhancing coordination and manufacturability
Partners
- Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)
- U.S. Military Services
- DLA Major Subordinate Commands (Land and Maritime, Aviation and Troop Support)
- Industry
- Academia
Accomplishments and Ongoing Efforts
- Military Services’ common framework for 3D Model Technical Data Packages that support DLA procurement of AM parts
- Evaluation of innovative quality acceptability techniques to accelerate the introduction of AM parts into the DoD supply chain
- Industry’s demonstration of AM powder recycling to reduce waste and cost