The美国陆军研究实验室（ARL）已授予合同Senvol那将看到它的Machine Learning (ML) software用于帮助设计和资格3D打印导弹零件。
As part of the program, Senvol is set to leverage its ML algorithms to develop a flexible ‘qualification plan,’ that can be applied to any 3D printing method, component or machine. According to Annie Wang, President of Senvol, deploying the firm’s ML technology will enable the Army to reduce part lead times and costs, while increasing soldier survivability.
“Senvol will implement data-driven ML technology for the U.S. Army that will substantially reduce the cost of material and part qualification,” said Annie Wang, President of Senvol. “The significant increase in speed will allow the Army to support warfighter readiness by unlocking the full transformative potential that AM offers.”
The military applications of ML algorithms
Senvol is a New York-based software developer that specializes in providing businesses with sufficient data to incorporate 3D printing into their design and production processes. The company initially established anAM database在2015年考虑了这个目标，此后将其产品扩展到包括API，索引，SOP和ML数字产品的套件。
使用其专有ML算法，Senvol能够快速建立打印机参数与任何结果零件的性能之间的关系。该程序通过为用户计算给定材料的最佳属性来起作用，使他们能够减少在生成设计允许物品上花费的时间。
尽管Senvol的软件已经部署在从汽车到医疗部门的行业中，但在军事应用中特别有效。例如，美国海军海军研究办公室(ONR) has利用ML程序减少与海上成分相关的交货时间。
Recently, the美国空军也有与Senvol合作to develop baseline mechanical properties for its PBFEOS3D printers. Having been awarded a contract by the ARL, the company will now attempt to identify a more universal qualification methodology, with the end-goal of designing enhanced fabricated missile parts.
优化军队的3 d印刷过程
在其ML软件的最新应用中，ARL已选择Senvol以快速设计和合格3D打印零件。使用其专有算法，公司将尝试制定一项通用资格计划，该计划不仅需要更少的构建，而且可以应用于任何部分，流程或打印机。
Senvol’s software is already machine agnostic, which should make it well-suited to the development of a flexible process that’s compatible with as many machine models as possible. What’s more, the company’s program is also capable of simultaneously qualifying 3D printing methods and material design allowables.
因此，在ML过程中所需的数据生成量应该是最小的，这最终可以使Senvol能够快速有效地限定零件。在项目中，该项目正在由国家制造科学中心，该公司还将与Lockheed Martin,EWI, andPilgrim Consulting.
The joint-project’s eventual goal is to fabricate a missile part and compare its performance during testing to the simulations provided by Senvol’s ML software. If successful, these evaluations would not only validate the component in question, but also Senvol’s technology for certifying other military devices as fit for purpose.
管理ARL计划的Stephanie Koch说：“尽管有可能提供的潜力，但由于与设计和资格相关的高成本和时间，采用率非常慢。”“我们对Senvol的方法感到非常鼓舞，并期待看到我们如何利用机器学习来改善流程。”
Rocket Lab delivers bumper payload into orbit
California-based aerospace firmRocket Lab也有made progress with its projectiles recently, and in the 16th launch of its additiveElectron rocket，它成功将30颗卫星发射到轨道上。该任务不仅代表了该公司迄今为止最大的，而且还是第一个完成“飞溅”回报的人，使其第一阶段能够再次使用。
但是，导弹的卢瑟福引擎并不是唯一的3D印刷产品，作为添加剂的副本Gnome Chompski从阀门’sHalf Life 2 video game was also strapped to its kick stage. Chompski is part of a fundraiser in which the firms have pledged to donate $1 (USD) for every streamer of the launch, to the星际飞船儿童医院.
So far, $80,000 has been raised for the campaign, and Rocket Lab will continue to donate for each stream in the 24 hours following the rocket’s launch. Sadly though, Gnome Chompski remains attached to the rocket, and he will deorbit with it when the stage burns up on re-entry to the Earth’s atmosphere.
“What the team achieved today in recovering Electron’s first stage is no mean feat,” said Peter Beck, CEO and Founder of Rocket Lab. “It took a monumental effort from many teams across Rocket Lab, and it’s exciting to see that work pay off in a major step towards making Electron a reusable rocket.”
要了解最新的3D印刷新闻，请不要忘记订阅3D打印行业newsletter或跟随我们Twitter或喜欢我们的页面Facebook.
Are you looking for a job in the additive manufacturing industry? Visit3D Printing Jobsfor a selection of roles in the industry.
Featured image shows two U.S. soldiers testing a missile launcher as part of a joint research project with John Hopkins University. Photo via the ARL.
