Analysis of the potential impact of additive manufacturing on Army logistics

Download
Author
Zimmerman, Brock A.
Allen, Ellis E., III
Date
2013-12Advisor
Brinkley, Douglas E.
Hudgens, Bryan J.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This study examines additive manufacturing and describes the potential impact it could have on Army logistics, specifically contingency resupply operations. We research the three primary methods of additive manufacturing: sterolithography, selective laser sintering, and fused deposition modeling. Our research identifies how each process works, the varieties of materials used, and the build times utilized in each process. Our methodology examines industry and military applications of additive manufacturing and identifies advantages and disadvantages of its use. Our analysis examines aerial resupply operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Department of Defense standard times for aerial resupply associated with each step in the process. A comparative analysis identifies how the availability of additive manufacturing at the point of embarkation could impact order-to-receipt time of repair parts. This study concludes with the identification of the pros and cons of additive manufacturing, its potential impact on future operations, and recommendations for further research.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.Collections
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Analysis of Additive Manufacturing Communities of Interest
Coursey, Todd (2018-04);Research will seek to answer the questions: A - What are the key nodes and clusters in the social network of additive manufacturing communities of interest? B - What are the ties that link together members of these formal ... -
Analysis of Additive Manufacturing Communities of Interest
Porter, Wayne; Schroeder, Rob (2018-04);Research will seek to answer the questions: A - What are the key nodes and clusters in the social network of additive manufacturing communities of interest? B - What are the ties that link together members of these formal ... -
OPERATIONAL AND MISSION READINESS IMPACT OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING DEPLOYMENT IN THE NAVY SUPPLY CHAIN
Lopez, Jose A., II (Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School, 2019-09);This project will examine the operational and mission availability of ships deployed with an integrated additive manufacturing (AM) capability. The purpose of this research is to determine the best option with regard to ...