Accession Number:
AD1053192
Title:
Additive Manufacturing Solutions in the United States Marine Corps
Descriptive Note:
[Technical Report, Master's Thesis]
Corporate Author:
Naval Postgraduate School
Personal Author(s):
Report Date:
2017-12-01
Pagination or Media Count:
119
Abstract:
This project conducts a cost benefit analysis to systematically examine the relative strengths and weaknesses of the current method of obtaining original equipment manufacturer OEM parts by the Marine Corps versus additive manufacturing alternatives. These alternatives include the established method of Extrusion and the emerging technology of continuous liquid interface production CLIP.The findings from the cost benefit analysis show a cost advantage for additive manufacturing at the production level with a substantial edge given to CLIP in three of four scenarios examined. Based on our methodology and findings, we recommend that the Marine Corps build a data repository ofblockchained printable files as quickly as accuracy allows. Once complete, the Marine Corps can continue to use the Fortus 250mc and other previously purchased models. When the repository outgrows the capability of the Fortus machines, it can move to Carbon 3D or a similar technology and expand the capability across the Marine Corps.
Descriptors:
- additive manufacturing
- manufacturing
- computer programs
- fabrication
- computer-aided design
- construction
- intellectual property
- assembly
- commerce
- computers
- national security
- business administration
- manufacturing engineering
- printing
- production
- software prototyping
- united states
- unmanned aerial vehicles
- accuracy
- cost benefit analysis
Subject Categories:
- Logistics, Military Facilities and Supplies
- Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering and Control of Production Systems