The Combat Capabilities Development Command of the美国陆军研究实验室(ARL) has awarded leading American 3D printer OEM 3D Systems a $15 million machine development contract. Working with the国家制造科学中心(新型),3 d系统的任务是创造”我们rld’s largest, fastest, most precise metal 3D printer.” Following installation across the Army, the technology will then be made available to leading aerospace and defense suppliers.
“The Army is increasing readiness by strengthening its relationships and interoperability with business partners, like 3D Systems, who advance warfighter requirements at the best value to the taxpayer,” commented Dr.Joseph South, ARL’s program manager for Science of Additive Manufacturing for Next Generation Munitions. “Up until now,” he adds, “powder bed laser 3D printers have been too small, too slow, and too imprecise to produce major ground combat subsystems at scale,”
“我们的目标是在协助军队执行安全合作活动以支持共同国家利益的盟友和合作伙伴的支持下直接解决这个问题，并帮助为关键的国家安全供应链提供新的能力。”
建造世界上最大的3D打印机
3D Systems Metal 3D打印机范围目前由七台机器组成Direct Metal Printing(DMP) technology. The largest machine in this range is the DMP Factory 350, which has a maximum build envelope capacity of 275 x 275 x 380 mm (W x D x H). The 3D printer requested by ARL is to have build envelope of 1000mm x 1000mm x 600mm capable of building parts around 3ft in length and depth and less than 2ft tall. At this scale ARL’s 3D printer exceeds the size of some of the current sector’s largest machines such as theSLM Solutions SLM 800（500 x 280 x 850毫米，l x w x h）和GE Additive’s Beta Project A.T.L.A.S.(950mm x 810mm x 300mm, X x Y x Z).
它将由3D系统和NCMS开发高级制造，材料和流程(AMMP) Program opened in October 2018.Lisa Strama总裁兼首席执行官NCMS评论说：“作为AMMP计划的Capstone项目，[该项目]将为我们的成员和合作伙伴带来关键的突破，从而提高绩效并加快市场创新。”
其他规格包括产生最小壁厚100µm的能力，最小层厚度为30µm。
The Army’s additive manufacturing plan
根据美国陆军增材制造实施计划，该部队在过去20年中一直在探索许多3D打印选项桌面系统的部署s to areas of conflict and the development of new options forlegacy machine repair。
ARL也在研究添加剂制造的更强材料。Until July 15 2019, AMMP will be open to submissions for the “Additive Manufacturing of Next Generation High Strength Aluminum Alloys。”
With the large scale metal 3D printer project, the military hopes to achieve more efficient design and production of durable parts, with a faster time to market/the field. It will focus on production for the Army’s key supply chains including those associated with long-range munitions, next-generation combat vehicles, helicopters, and air and missile defense capabilities. “Through this project,” comments Chuck Hull, co-founder and CTO at 3D Systems. “we’re looking forward to delivering a working manufacturing system like no other […]”
“[…] ARL has already realized the power of AM to transform its operations. We look forward to collaborating with them to scale and expand these capabilities by delivering first-to-market processes, materials, and technologies.”
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特色图片显示了美国陆军的下一个代码概念。通过美国陆军的形象
