Positioning Metal Additive as a Second Source for National Security Needs

As geopolitical instability increases worldwide, the US and our allies are expending inventories while building stockpiles as risk reduction for future conflicts. The DoD supply base is increasing production rates to meet the warfighter demands. However, capital equipment choke points in the casting and forging supply chains are preventing OEMs from meeting the forecasted demands. AM suppliers with existing machine capacity and material specifications can be a second source to critical forging and casting suppliers who cannot meet increased demands. Presentation discussion will focus on what key technical capabilities AM suppliers must have in place to rapidly support the OEM supply chain as a second source.