Mary-Louise Hoffman
A consortium led by Optomec has been awarded a $4 million project to develop three-dimensional printing methods to repair metallic aerospace structures for the U.S. Air Force.
The 3D printer company will collaborate with GE Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce and 20 other organizations to explore additive manufacturing techniques under the Re-Born in the USA project, Optomec said Tuesday.
Optomec signed the two-year deal with America Makes: National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute.
“This award is significant because it highlights that repair is indeed a leading application area in the additive manufacturing landscape,” said Richard Grylls, Optomec LENS general manager.
“We are looking forward to working with our partners to deliver a repair methodology that addresses the current challenges faced by the Air Force and provides a framework for the potential adoption of additive manufacturing repair processes throughout the aircraft industry,” Grylls added.
The industry team seeks to leverage an Optomec 3D printing system that is used to repair ground industrial components, according to Optomec.
Optomec and its partners will also make recommendations to improve process monitoring, control and sustainment through the technology.
