This program will develop manufacturing capabilities that are affordable at small volumes and with reduced delivery times. These concepts will be extended to polymer matrix composites, advance metallic turbine blades, and ceramic body armor upgrades.
Today's warfighting environment places a premium on fast and affordable manufacturing processes. When considering the costs of manufacturing spare parts, it is clear that new approaches to Defense manufacturing are critically needed to help facilitate future military successes. The Disruptive Manufacturing Technologies (DMT) program will develop manufacturing capabilities that are affordable at small volumes and with reduced delivery times. These concepts will be extended to polymer matrix composites, advanced metallic turbine blades, and ceramic body armor upgrades. Specific objectives include:
- Developing nonautoclave manufacturing technology for production of polymer matrix composites for aerospace components and establishing a robust process for full-size components.
- Eliminating costly mold-making steps in the manufacture of precision airfoils through digital fabrication.
- Demonstrating low-cost synthesis of boron carbide armor for personnel and vehicles via plasma synthesized nanoscale powder and pressureless sintering.
The focus of the DMT program is manufacturing process development. Problems for manufacturing are parts and materials that are now bought by the Defense Department and provide benchmarks for cost, performance, and production time.