Key Takeaways
- The Barnes Global Advisors (TBGA) has secured a contract with Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc. (BPMI) to build and manage a materials and process database for suppliers to the US Navy.
- The database will focus on metal additive manufacturing (AM) and provide a pathway to faster adoption for US Navy suppliers.
- The project involves testing coupons for Alloy 625 (Inconel) and 316L stainless steel, for both Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) processes.
- The database will be eligible for public release, providing consistent and high-quality design property data for the maritime industrial base.
Introduction to Metal Additive Manufacturing
Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly growing field, but it faces significant challenges in terms of workforce development and materials qualification. Improving access to data on metals qualified for AM processes can help address these challenges and reduce the risk associated with adopting new AM capabilities.
The Importance of Materials Qualification
Materials qualification is a critical step in the adoption of metal AM, as it ensures that the materials used meet the required standards for performance, safety, and reliability. The lack of access to qualified materials data is a significant barrier to the scale-up of metal AM.
The Barnes Global Advisors Contract
TBGA has been awarded a contract by BPMI to build and manage a materials and process database for suppliers to the US Navy. The database will provide a pathway to faster metal AM adoption for US Navy suppliers and will focus on the following:
| Material | Process | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy 625 (Inconel) | PBF and DED | Aerospace and defense |
| 316L stainless steel | PBF and DED | Maritime and industrial |
Benefits of the Database
The database will provide consistent and high-quality design property data, which is essential for the rapid application of AM within the maritime industrial base. According to Nathan Weiderspahn, BPMI Executive Manager for Industrial Base Management, "Consistent, high-quality design property data is essential to rapid application of AM within the maritime industrial base."
Conclusion
Christina Kurth, Business Development Director of Advanced Manufacturing at TBGA, stated that "TBGA is proud to support the US Navy's digital manufacturing transition and accelerate the delivery of additively manufactured components."
Bottom Line
The contract between TBGA and BPMI marks a significant step forward in the adoption of metal AM for the US Navy. The database will provide a critical resource for suppliers, enabling them to access qualified materials data and accelerate the delivery of additively manufactured components. With a focus on Alloy 625 (Inconel) and 316L stainless steel, the project has the potential to drive growth and innovation in the maritime industrial base, and ultimately support the US Navy's digital manufacturing transition.