The Nationwide Heart for Protection Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) and America Makes have introduced two new open challenge calls funded by the Workplace of the Underneath Secretary of Protection, Analysis and Engineering Manufacturing Expertise Workplace (OSD (R&E)), and the Air Drive Analysis Laboratory (AFRL) price a complete of $11.75M. That is the biggest funding alternative launched by America Makes since its inception in 2012. Every challenge name has two areas of focus. One award is anticipated for every matter space with the utmost request for funding various relying upon the subject being addressed.

The PADAM

The primary challenge name, Powder Alloy Improvement for Additive Manufacturing (PADAM), is price $6M and is being funded by the AFRL. America Makes, its members, and Authorities stakeholders have assessed the advantages and strategic alternatives supplied by way of the event and scaling of novel AM supplies on the Alloy Improvement Workshop in 2021. This challenge name goals to speed up the maturation of AM high-temperature metals to reveal measurable enchancment in application-specific efficiency standards.

Separated into matter 1: Excessive-Temperature Refractory Alloys ($3.6M); and matter 2: Excessive-Temperature Nickel-Primarily based Superalloys ($2.4M).

“For the higher a part of a decade, the additive group has been advocating for funding to direct analysis and growth to ascertain confirmed strategies for making use of one of the best attributes of novel AM supplies. The supplies that challenge companions can be working with are extremely necessary to the way forward for the functions used within the aerospace and protection communities,” mentioned Brandon Ribic, Expertise Director at America Makes. “Our group is extremely lucky to have the help of the Underneath Secretary of Protection and AFRL and the engagement of the brightest minds within the nation who can be collaborating to revolutionize this expertise.”

The Proliferation of AM Materials Datasets

The second challenge name, Proliferation of AM Materials Datasets, is providing a complete of $5.75M in funding by way of OSD(R&E) and the AFRL. Recognizing there are extra materials methods past Ti-6Al-4V that may profit the AM trade, this challenge name goals to extend the quantity and kind of pedigreed, statistically based mostly, and industrially related AM materials datasets. The RFP additionally seems to be to encourage the proliferation of those learnings, practices, and knowledge to a extra expansive cross-section of the AM provide chain by requiring partnerships with small companies.

Separated into matter 1: Aluminum Alloy Materials Dataset ($2.875M); and matter 2: Excessive-Temperature Nick-Primarily based Superalloys ($2.875M).

“This challenge is a superb alternative for America Makes and our members to put the muse for ground-breaking growth and incorporation of alloy-based refractory metals, that are terribly immune to warmth and put on, into AM functions used within the aerospace, protection, and power industries,” mentioned John Martin, Additive Manufacturing Analysis Director at America Makes. “Moreover, knowledge and finest practices formulated and shared because of this challenge will assist broaden the AM provide chain by way of the inclusion of smaller companies from throughout the nation.”

Undertaking name timeline

• Launch: Tuesday, August 15
• Kickoff Webinar: August 15 at MMX (Registration Required)
• Questions Due from Proposers about Scope or Strategy: August 22
• Membership Eligibility Deadline: September 14
• Submission Deadline: September 29 by 5 p.m., ET
• Anticipated Awards Announcement: October 30
• Proposers for the challenge calls are suggested to reference the RFP for full particulars and tips.

Go to right here for the Powder Alloy Improvement for Additive Manufacturing Undertaking Name, and right here for the Proliferation of AM Materials Datasets Undertaking Name.