Maintaining functional readiness is a constant challenge for each branch of the U.S. armed forces. Aging fleets of aircraft, vehicles and naval vessels need replacement parts that are either no longer manufactured or require extensive lead times to procure, often at very high cost. Each service branch is tasked with keeping the fleet operational, while at the same time, reducing expenses.
Overcoming these challenges requires novel approaches and problem-solving capabilities. Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, is a technology that offers multiple solutions to mitigate supply chain issues and improve operational readiness while lowering cost.
