Phase 1 Seeks to Develop and Prove Out a Prototype Digital Thread AM Supply Chain
Blairsville, Pa. — November 26, 2019. The National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) with its National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, America Makes, and partner Catalyst Connection proudly announce the next phase of the AMNOW program to support additive manufacturing (AM) technology insertion into the existing U.S. Army supply chain. Through the creation of a robust AM supply chain and clear technology AM transition path, AMNOW will help increase the U.S. Army’s readiness and facilitate on-demand production of materials in support of warfighters and commanders on the battlefield.
“We are excited to get Phase 1 of AMNOW started, building upon the successful momentum of the initial phase,” said Dean L. Bartles, Ph.D., FSME, FASME, NCDMM President and CEO. “AMNOW Phase 1 will focus on developing a prototype digital AM supply chain that considers and evaluates the current and future Army and supply chain capabilities. Ultimately, the creation and integration of digital AM supply chain will enable the rapid transfer of validated data and information to be exchanged between the U.S. Army and its suppliers, accelerating AM on-demand production of critical parts.”
Structured as a multi-phase, multi-year contract, AMNOW is funded by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Aviation & Missile Center under the newly formed U.S. Army Futures Command. The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Aviation & Missile Center provides increased responsiveness to the nation’s Warfighters through aviation and missile capabilities and life cycle engineering solutions.
The AMNOW program launched in April 2019 with the award of the initial phase, which was secured jointly by NCDMM in partnership with Catalyst Connection.
U.S. House of Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Mike Doyle (D-PA) played an instrumental role in securing the funding for the AMNOW program, as well as championing the NCDMM and Catalyst Connection partnership. Both Congressmen Ryan and Doyle are staunch supporters of and advocates for the manufacturing industry. They are also very familiar with the work of both organizations and their respective manufacturing and economic contributions to the Tech Belt region of northeastern Ohio and southwestern Pennsylvania.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to acknowledge Congressman Ryan and Congressman Doyle for their ongoing efforts in support of our nation’s manufacturing sector,” added Dr. Bartles. “We have a shared mission of working to increase domestic manufacturing strength and ensuring our nation’s military readiness. They both also understand the potential of AM technologies within the manufacturing and defense industries. The AMNOW program will result in significant tactical and strategic advantages for the Army. We are grateful for their work to secure funding for the AMNOW program and their confidence in NCDMM and Catalyst Connection to execute it.”
As AMNOW 1 Phase gets underway, NCDMM and Catalyst Connection will bring on more project partners to join initial phase collaborators, The Barnes Group Advisors LLC and the Office for Operational Excellence at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Phase 1 of AMNOW will be an extensive effort with a duration of three years. NCDMM and Catalyst Connection, along with its project team, will conduct a rigorous benchmarking and evaluation process. This assessment of the Army and its supply chain will identify deficiencies and opportunities, along with current and future needs and capabilities, in order to develop the prototype AM digital thread.
For more information about NCDMM, visit ncdmm.org.
About NCDMM
NCDMM delivers innovative and collaborative manufacturing solutions that enhance our nation’s workforce and economic competitiveness. NCDMM has extensive knowledge and depth in manufacturing areas—both commercial and defense—to continually innovate, improve, and advance manufacturing technologies and methodologies. Our experienced team specializes in identifying the needs, the players, the technologies, and processes to attain optimal solutions for our customers. We connect the dots. That’s the NCDMM methodology. NCDMM also manages the national accelerator for additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing (3DP), America Makes—the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute. For additional information, visit the NCDMM at ncdmm.org and follow @NCDMMnews on Twitter.
About America Makes
Driven by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), America Makes is the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute. As the national accelerator for additive manufacturing (AM) based in Youngstown, Ohio, America Makes is the nation’s leading and collaborative partner in AM and 3DP technology research, discovery, creation, and innovation. Comprised of member organizations from industry, academia, government, non-government agencies, and workforce and economic development resources, the America Makes membership community is working together to innovate and accelerate AM to increase our nation’s global manufacturing competitiveness. America Makes is the first of eight Manufacturing Innovation Institutes established and program managed by the U.S. Department of Defense as public-private partnerships. America Makes is also a member of the Manufacturing USA® network, which seeks to secure U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing. For more information about America Makes, visit americamakes.us and follow @AmericaMakes on Twitter.
About Catalyst Connection
Catalyst Connection is a private not-for-profit organization headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa. It provides consulting and training services to small manufacturers in southwestern Pennsylvania, accelerating revenue growth and improving productivity. Through active collaboration with its clients and the manufacturing community at large, Catalyst Connection contributes to the growth, vibrancy, and ongoing robustness of manufacturing in the southwestern Pennsylvania region. Catalyst Connection is supported, in part, by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development, and by the National Institute of Standards (NIST) and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). The MEP National Network is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. For more information, visit catalystconnection.org.
Source: NCDMM
