The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) recently announced a new program called AMMP (Advanced Manufacturing, Materials, and Processes). According to Lisa Strama, President and CEO of the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), the NCMS is launching the program in conjunction with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), top U.S. manufacturers, and several leading universities. AMMP will offer industry, academia and the DoD community the ability to collaborate to advance, refine and transition additive manufacturing (AM) technologies in six focus areas as follows:
- Essential Science and Technology for AMMP (EST-AMMP): Fundamental multi-disciplinary scientific enabler focused on addressing current AM research gaps.
- Feedstocks for AM (FAM): Robust, multi-functional, and/or re-configurable feedstock design, development, and processing.
- Innovative Design Integration for AM Processes (iDIAMP): New concept and methodology integrating system-level design, function, performance, cost, and system of system level interoperation requirements.
- Real-Time Additive Process Control (RTAPC): Real-time process control with closed loop feedback for inline real-time qualifications and certifications of assets.
- Materials Manufacturing Science and Technology for Lethality (M2S&T-L): Process-structure-property relationships coupling discovery of new robust lethality materials, formulation of affordable and efficient lethality materials manufacturing methodologies, and developing adaptable and affordable integrated lethality system manufacturing technologies.
- Materials Manufacturing Science and Technology for Protection (M2S&T-P): New emerging protection technologies and technology transitions enabling broad array of discriminate and effective protection hierarchical systems.
We caught up with Dr. Cosima Boswell-Koller, PhD, Senior Project Manager and technical lead at NCMS and AMMP Technology Advisory Board (TAB) member, to learn more about AMMP in an exclusive AMazing® Q&A conversation.
*******
AMazing®: Dr. Boswell-Koller, thank you for your participation.This must be an exciting time with the recent launch of the new AMMP program. As we understand, the intent of AMMP is to develop new solutions to enable novel designs and dramatic cuts in cost and delivery time for the U.S. Army. What are some benefits to businesses that align with AMMP to produce commercially viable products?
Dr. Boswell-Koller: The Advanced Manufacturing, Materials, and Processes (AMMP) Program offers industry, academia, and the DoD community the ability to work in collaboration with each other to advance, refine, and transition additive manufacturing technologies that support specific technology areas. Businesses participating in that collaborative effort will be able to take advantage of available cross-industry expertise to position themselves at the forefront of such key technology areas as innovative design integration for additive manufacturing processes, real-time additive process control, new robust lethality materials, and new emerging protection technologies.
Specific AMMP membership benefits include:
- Intellectual property protection
- Accelerated contracting opportunities
- Priority communications for Technology Calls
- Access to established NCMS federal partner relationships and the AMMP member directory
- Discounts on NCMS-sponsored symposiums, workshops, conferences, and technology showcases
- Invitations to annual AMMP member meetings and technology conferences
AMazing®: Many leading experts believe that in order for AM to reach its full potential, advances in design, processes and materials will be needed. How can AMMP help businesses in these critical areas?
Dr. Boswell-Koller: The NCMS collaboration model being used for AMMP leverages cross-pollination of ideas and programs between multiple partners, and cross-industry expertise to create a climate of innovation and investment through AMMP projects. By including the full spectrum of collaborators in the working model, a comprehensive approach can be tailored to each project covering basic research principles through prototyping efforts. Ultimately, this will lead to an accelerated technology transition from manufacturers to the Armed Forces.
AMazing®: As a rapidly evolving industry, research is essential to advance additive manufacturing. What breakthroughs do you foresee in the next few years?
Dr. Boswell-Koller: Additive manufacturing has become an unstoppable force. Not too long ago, the printing speed and limited output of 3D printers made them suitable only for rapid prototyping. In the near future, though, additive manufacturing will be at the heart of full-scale production capabilities in several industries, from aerospace to automotive to healthcare. Recent innovations in direct-metal printing, printing speeds, and selective laser sintering combined with advancements in cloud-computing, IoT connectivity, big data, and next-generation robotics will result in the realization of Industry 4.0 – a truly cognitive, adaptive, and largely self-optimizing factory, catalyzed and fueled by additive manufacturing.
AMazing®: Beyond additive manufacturing, what other strategically critical areas can NCMS provide to businesses to stay at the forefront in this global economy?
Dr. Boswell-Koller: In addition to additive manufacturing, NCMS has long-standing success in working with world-class companies of all sizes to advance innovative technologies in several more strategically critical areas, including digital manufacturing, industrial IoT, cybersecurity, automation, robotics, maintenance, sustainment, and quality.
AMazing®: Finally, as a member-based organization, what information would you like to share with businesses interested in applying for AMMP membership?
Dr. Boswell-Koller: The 32 year old NCMS track record speaks for itself. Our collaborative model has resulted in more than 1,000 contracts executed with partners and members, valued at more than $840 million. Coupled with NCMS’ collaborative power to partner small R&D companies with top-tier OEMs, the results are innovations and opportunities to develop and refine and provide user-centric solutions. NCMS collaborations are also responsible in more than $1.4 billion in savings for the Department of Defense.
This concludes our interview. Dr. Boswell-Koller thank you very much for your participation. We are very grateful for the opportunity to learn about NCMS and launch of the new AMMP program.
*******
About Dr. Cosima Boswell-Koller
Dr. Cosima Boswell-Koller is a Senior Project Manager with NCMS. After completing her Ph.D.in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 2012, Dr. Boswell-Koller spent a year teaching Thermodynamics and Quantum Chemistry at Ohio University. In 2015, she joined the Corrosion Branch at NAVAIR, Patuxent River, MD, where her work focused on theoretical and computational corrosion research efforts using density functional theory, quantum molecular dynamics, and kinetic monte carlo techniques. Additionally, she was the Corrosion Acquisition Team Lead supporting V-22 Osprey and the Branch’s Science and Technology lead. These opportunities allowed her to experience both the acquisition process, as well as the impact that research and development efforts can have on the warfighter. Dr. Boswell-Koller will serve as the technical lead of the AMMP Program.
About NCMS
The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) is a cross-industry technology development consortium, dedicated to improving the competitiveness and strength of the U.S. industrial base. As a member-based organization, it leverages its network of industry, government, and academia to develop, demonstrate, and transition innovative technologies efficiently, with less risk and lower cost. For more information on NCMS or the AMMP Program, visit www.ncms.org and www.ncms.org/ammp
Contacts
Pam Hurt
Director, Membership & Communications
NCMS
pamh@ncms.org
Ray Weiss
President
Weiss PR, Inc.
rweiss@weisspr.com
To read the full NCMS press release titled ‘Maryland, Harford County Celebrate Region’s Selection and Support at NCMS, Army Research Lab AMMP Kickoff’ press here.
Source: NCMS
