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 US Navy suppliers.
- 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 using Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) processes.
- The database will provide consistent, high-quality design property data, accelerating the delivery of additively manufactured components to the US Navy.
Introduction to Metal Additive Manufacturing
Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly growing field, but it faces significant barriers to scale-up, including workforce development and materials qualification. Improving access to data on qualified metals for AM processes can help address these challenges.
The Role of The Barnes Global Advisors
The Barnes Global Advisors (TBGA) has established itself as a leader in the AM industry, with a track record of taking on ambitious projects to broaden access to quality metal powders data. Their latest contract with BPMI is a significant opportunity to build and manage a materials and process database for US Navy suppliers.
Project Details
The project involves testing coupons for Alloy 625 (Inconel) and 316L stainless steel using PBF and DED processes. The database will be created using data submitted by suppliers and testing partners, providing a pathway to faster metal AM adoption for US Navy suppliers.
Comparison of AM Processes
| Process | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) | A process that uses a laser or electron beam to melt and fuse metal powder | High precision, complex geometries |
| Directed Energy Deposition (DED) | A process that uses a focused beam of energy to melt and deposit metal onto a substrate | High deposition rates, large parts |
Benefits of the Database
The database will provide consistent, high-quality design property data, essential for the rapid application of AM within the maritime industrial base. This effort is an integral part of the digital manufacturing transition, accelerating the delivery of additively manufactured components to the US Navy.
Quotes from Industry Leaders
Nathan Weiderspahn, BPMI Executive Manager for Industrial Base Management, stated, "Consistent, high-quality design property data is essential to rapid application of AM within the maritime industrial base." Christina Kurth, Business Development Director of Advanced Manufacturing at TBGA, said, "TBGA is proud to support the US Navy's additive manufacturing efforts."
Bottom Line
The contract between TBGA and BPMI is a significant step forward for the metal AM industry, providing a pathway to faster adoption for US Navy suppliers. The database will play a critical role in accelerating the delivery of additively manufactured components to the US Navy, supporting the digital manufacturing transition and the growth of the AM industry. With its expertise and track record, TBGA is well-positioned to support the US Navy's additive manufacturing efforts and drive innovation in the industry.