New project call worth $6.6M announced by America Makes

America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) have announced a new project call, IMPACT 2.0, worth $6.6 million. The project call aims to demonstrate improvements in lead time, productivity, and yield within casting and forging (C&F) processes. It consists of four topics under Part A, including the advancement of techniques for incorporating functional surfaces and complex geometric features into forgings, the adoption of 3D printed sand molds/cores, the development of a techno-economic analysis tool for metal part manufacturing processes, and ensuring operational recovery in industrial production. Additionally, Part B introduces the Rapid Casting Demonstration Challenge – Two Step, which assesses integrated manufacturing approaches in real-world demand scenarios. The project call seeks to mitigate risks to the defense sector and the broader economy by enabling the development and implementation of advanced solutions in the C&F domain.

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Overview

America Makes and NCDMM announce $6.6M project call

Recently, America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) announced a project call worth $6.6 million. This project call, called IMPACT 2.0, is an extension of a previous project call called “Improvements in Manufacturing Productivity via Additive Capabilities and Techno-Economic Analysis” (IMPACT). The new project call is supported by the Office of the Secretary of Defense Manufacturing Technology Program (OSD ManTech) and aims to enhance lead time, productivity, and yield within casting and forging processes in the United States.

IMPACT 2.0 Project Call

Focus on improving lead time, productivity, and yield within casting and forging processes

The IMPACT 2.0 project call has a clear focus on improving lead time, productivity, and yield within casting and forging (C&F) processes. These processes are crucial for many industries, including defense, and any improvements made in these areas can have a significant impact on efficiency and economic stability.

Two main areas of focus

The project call is divided into two main areas of focus. The first area, Part A, consists of four specific topics that address various challenges and opportunities within C&F processes. The second area, Part B, introduces the Rapid Casting Demonstration Challenge, which aims to assess integrated manufacturing approaches in real-world demand scenarios.

Expecting to award seven grants

Through the IMPACT 2.0 project call, America Makes and NCDMM expect to award seven grants to deserving researchers and projects. The amount of funding for each grant may vary depending on the specific topic or challenge being addressed.

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Part A of IMPACT 2.0

Four topics in this part

Part A of the IMPACT 2.0 project call consists of four specific topics that researchers can address. These topics encompass a wide range of challenges and opportunities within the casting and forging industry.

Topics include advancement and promotion of techniques for incorporating functional surfaces and complex geometric features into forgings

One of the topics in Part A focuses on the advancement and promotion of techniques for incorporating functional surfaces and complex geometric features into forgings. This topic aims to explore innovative methods for enhancing the functionality and complexity of forged components.

Dissemination of best practices for 3D printed sand molds/cores

Another topic in Part A involves the dissemination of best practices for 3D printed sand molds/cores. This topic recognizes the potential of 3D printing technology in the creation of sand molds and cores, and seeks to promote the adoption of best practices within the industry.

Development of techno-economic analysis tool for metal part manufacturing process selection

Part A also includes a topic related to the development of a techno-economic analysis tool for metal part manufacturing process selection. This topic aims to create a tool that can assist manufacturers in selecting the most suitable manufacturing processes for their specific metal parts.

Ensuring operational recovery in industrial production

The final topic in Part A focuses on ensuring operational recovery in industrial production. This topic addresses the need for strategies and techniques that can help industries recover quickly and effectively from operational disruptions.

Part B of IMPACT 2.0

Rapid Casting Demonstration Challenge – Two Step

Part B of the IMPACT 2.0 project call introduces the Rapid Casting Demonstration Challenge – Two Step. This challenge aims to assess integrated manufacturing approaches in real-world demand scenarios. It is designed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of these methodologies and drive innovation in the casting and forging industry.

Importance of C&F Solutions

Challenges faced by U.S. casting and forging industry

The U.S. casting and forging industry has faced several challenges over the past two decades, particularly related to capability and capacity. These challenges have made it difficult for the industry to acquire essential components for critical weapons and support platforms. Finding solutions to these challenges is of vital importance to defense and economic stability.

Importance for defense and economic stability

The casting and forging industry plays a crucial role in defense and economic stability. Quality components produced through casting and forging processes are essential for the production of weapons and support platforms. By improving lead time, productivity, and yield within these processes, the industry can better meet the demands of the defense sector and contribute to overall economic stability.

Project Call Timeline

Launch on April 11, 2024

The IMPACT 2.0 project call was launched on April 11, 2024. This marked the beginning of the application period for researchers and industry professionals interested in participating in the project call.

Kickoff Webinar on April 11

A kickoff webinar was held on April 11 to provide more information about the project call and answer any questions that potential applicants may have had.

Submission deadline on June 14 for Part A, May 10 and June 28 for Part B

The submission deadline for Part A of the project call is June 14. Researchers and professionals interested in Part B have two separate deadlines to consider: May 10 for Step 1 and June 28 for Step 2. It is important for applicants to adhere to these deadlines to be considered for the grants.

Awards announcement on July 24

The anticipated awards announcement for the IMPACT 2.0 project call is scheduled for July 24. This is when the selected researchers and projects will be announced and awarded the grants.

America Makes Project Call Opportunities

Funding and collaboration opportunities for researchers

America Makes project calls provide funding and collaboration opportunities for researchers in the additive manufacturing (AM) field. These project calls allow researchers to tackle specific challenges aligned with national priorities and contribute to the advancement of AM technology and knowledge.

Supporting national priorities and innovation

By aligning project calls with national priorities, America Makes ensures that the research and projects funded through these calls have a direct impact on national interests and priorities. This support for innovation and technological advancements contributes to the growth and competitiveness of the AM industry.

Previous project calls and funding amounts

America Makes has a track record of supporting innovation and research through project calls. In previous years, project calls have been announced, with funding amounts ranging from hundreds of thousands of dollars to millions of dollars. These project calls have enabled researchers to address important challenges and opportunities in the AM field.

3D Printing Trends

Anticipation for 3D printing trends this year

The 3D printing industry is constantly evolving, and there is always anticipation for the latest trends and developments in the field. Experts and industry leaders predict that this year will see advancements in areas such as material innovation, multi-material printing, larger-scale printing, and increased adoption of 3D printing in various industries.

The future of 3D printing in the next 10 years

Looking ahead, the future of 3D printing holds exciting possibilities. Over the next 10 years, experts predict that 3D printing will become increasingly mainstream, with more widespread adoption in industries such as aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and consumer goods. Advancements in materials, printing technologies, and software are expected to drive this growth and innovation.

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Conclusion

America Makes continues to play a significant role in supporting additive manufacturing innovation and research. The IMPACT 2.0 project call, backed by OSD ManTech, demonstrates America Makes’ commitment to addressing challenges and driving improvements in lead time, productivity, and yield within casting and forging processes. The project call presents valuable funding and collaboration opportunities for researchers and industry professionals, aligns with national priorities, and supports innovation in the additive manufacturing field.

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