2018 DoD Maintenance Symposium Confirms Maintenance is Key to Readiness
Maintenance is the generator of readiness. Get the parts and we’ll generate the weapons systems—generate the readiness. That maintenance and sustainment is the heartbeat of today’s military enterprise cannot be in doubt. Throughout the 2018 DoD Maintenance Symposium, held in Tampa, FL, December 17-20, recurring topics of innovation, collaboration, and empowerment underpinned the event theme of Maintaining America’s Lethal Competitive Edge. With a centrally-located, award-winning 20’ X 30’Read More
NCMS Member Maglogix® Wins 2018 Maintenance Innovation Challenge People’s Choice Award
Congratulations to Jim Michael, president of Maglogix® LLC, who wowed the audience at the Maintenance Innovation Challenge, part of the DoD Maintenance Symposium that took place December 17-20 in Tampa, FL. His presentation, along with supporting testimonial from Susan Simms, NAVSEA Tactical Implementation Manager at the Puget Naval Shipyard, beat out the other 73 submissions and made a huge impact clearly demonstrating how the Maglogix® magnets can save time and effort, lower injury rates,Read More
NCMS Members Universal Synaptics and Lockheed Martin Sign Agreement to Solve Intermittent Anomalies
Congratulations to Universal Synaptics and Lockheed Martin on their agreement to work together to help the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) solve intermittent faults. With a DoD goal of 80% mission-capable rates for certain critical aircraft platforms, Universal Synaptics’ Intermittent Fault Detection technology will be used to discover random fault anomalies in multi-domain electronics as well as wiring harnesses. This issue currently drives an estimated billion in annual maintenance costsRead More
NCMS Wins Best Large Booth at the 2018 DoD Maintenance Symposium
The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) was voted “Best 10 X 20 or Larger Booth” for its interactive footprint at the 2018 DoD Maintenance Symposium held in Tampa, FL from December 17-20, 2018. The 20’ X 30’ centrally-located space hosted seven technologies that ranged from fluid analysis to stand-up abrading machines, and wet blast deep cleaning and more. The booth was also home to two of the Maintenance Innovation Challenge finalists: Wet Technologies and Maglogix (winnerRead More
REACT Lab awarded MIC Overall Winner for their AM Metal Tooling and Testing Equipment
Congratulations to the 76th Commodities Maintenance Group, Tinker Air Force Base, who took home the Maintenance Innovation Challenge Overall Winner Award at the 2018 Defense Maintenance Symposium. They are working diligently to sustain the U.S. Air Force’s aging KC-135 Stratotanker, B-1 Lancer, B-52 Stratofortress, E-3 Sentry, and E-6 Mercury aircraft. With the difficulty of obtaining some parts for these legacy systems, the engineers at the Reverse Engineering And Critical Tooling (REACT) LabRead More
Wishing our NCMS Members, Partners, and Friends a very Healthy, Happy and Successful New Year!
As we close 2018 and prepare for 2019, we want to thank you for your continued support of advanced manufacturing, innovative technologies, and collaborative partnerships which are the strengths of NCMS. Here are a few highlights from this year that we are grateful for: 20th Anniversary of NCMS’ signature program, Commercial Technologies and Maintenance Activities (CTMA) Two wildly successfully NCMS Technology Showcases, with over 2700 attendees, one in Yokosuka Japan and one at theRead More
CTMA Wraps 2018 with Record Growth
NCMS congratulates our Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Activities (CTMA) partners on the outstanding program performance in 2018. CTMA celebrated its 20th anniversary and continued gaining strength by posting another stellar year. A significant increase in the number of new projects attests to the ongoing maintenance and sustainment needs within the DoD. CTMA is integral to the solution for maintaining legacy equipment beyond its expected lifecycle and for supporting weapon systemRead More
Next Stop: Hawaii
The upcoming NCMS Technology Showcase: Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, January 22 - 24 2019, will host 28 companies looking to take advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate their technologies in front of key decision-makers. Organized through the Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Activities (CTMA) Program, maintenance and sustainment staff from across the island, including nearby Hickam Air Force base and the Marine Corps base, will also be attending this inaugural event. “ThisRead More
NCMS Member Perisense Digs Deeper to Illuminate Maintenance Challenges
Having skilled maintainers is important to any lifecycle plan. Beyond skill level, having a clear picture of the Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) is a vital aspect of understanding the repair process. How long do tasks take? Where do bottlenecks occur? Having this information radically increases efficiency and productivity when it comes to weapon systems availability. There is a new approach to MTTR using data captured by sensors and then interpreted to pinpoint such important issues as:Read More
CTMA Program Supports Secretary of Defense Aircraft Maintenance Mandate
On September 17, 2018, the Secretary of Defense General James Mattis sent a memorandum across the DoD: Mission Capability of Critical Aviation Platforms. In it he states: “As current Military Department program objective memorandums make clear, our Department faces budget constraints and shortfalls in aviation squadrons across the force. As a result, our aviation inventory and supporting infrastructure suffer from systemic underperformance, overcapitalization, and unrealized capacity.” ItRead More
Free Cyber Readiness Program Offers SMBs A Path to Improved Cybersecurity
If you’re not worried about cybersecurity, you should be. Cyber attacks are on the rise – last year there were 53,000 cyber incidents, according to Verizon’s latest Data Breach Investigation Report. This news is tough for all companies, and particularly for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). According to the Ponemon Institute's 2017 State of Cybersecurity in Small & Medium-Sized Businesses report, the percentage of small businesses that have experienced a cyber attack in the past 12Read More
IT Briefcase Exclusive Interview: The Evolution of 3D Printing Technology
From IT Briefcase 12/10/2018 While 3D Printing is drastically changing the future of manufacturing in America, its susceptibility to cyberattacks has made blockchain technology a necessary ingredient in securing data in the digital supply chain. Dr. Cosima Boswell-Koller, a Senior Project Manager at the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), discusses the importance of blockchain, as well as a new partnership between NCMS and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory – theRead More
NCMS member United Global Group brings data unity to DoD Maintenance Symposium
Partnering with Hendrick Motorsports to analyze their innovative data collection process which determines when in a race their car should pit for gas or change tires, United Global Group (UGG) wants to provide the DoD with similar real-time sensor information using their new Commando Jeep. This year, the UGG booth, #527, will demonstrate the various ways that data can be collected including a drone operating in a cage, the Powernoodle™ — platform, the R3CMA Knowledge Management System, theRead More
Super magnet company Maglogix garners attention at the 2018 DoD Maintenance Symposium
At his first DoD Maintenance Symposium last year, Maglogix president Jim Michael was pleased with the interest in his industrial patented multi-pole magnets. This year, the innovative magnets will take center stage in front of hundreds of DoD maintenance and sustainment decision makers as he presents as a finalist at the Maintenance Innovation Challenge (MIC). “I think one of the reasons that my Multi-Pole magnets were chosen as a technology finalist was because of the safety they provideRead More
New NCMS Member SurClean Sets Sights On Maintenance Innovation Challenge!
SurClean, Inc.'s laser coating removal and surface preparation systems caught the eye of the MIC judges. They now have an opportunity to present their innovative technology in front of an audience filled with DoDdecision-makers. Their new mobile system premiered at the NCMS TechnologyShowcase at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and garnered lots of attention. Unlike legacy chemical, abrasive, and water blasting methods, SurClean’s laser ablation systems are very precise, energyRead More
Wet Technologies Has the Opportunity to "Clean Up" in the Maintenance Innovation Challenge
Surface preparation is not new technology, but the technology developed by Wet Technologies closed loop Wet Blasting systems, is cleaner,safer, more efficient, faster, and more effective than the others. Frederick Greis,founder and CEO of Wet Technologies began using his technology at nuclear powerplants to decontaminate components after a power outage to remove the alpha andbeta particles. Then came the aviation MRO industry with its bevy of corrosion,dirt, paint, and other problems,Read More
Expert Educator Team Releases Final Report: Aligning Lightweight Technology and Manufacturing Talent Development
College & University Faculty Team Concludes Series of Recommendations Addressing Competencies and Workforce Strategies for New Lightweighting Technologies Contacts: Pam Hurt NCMS 248-867-3525 pamh@ncms.org Jeff Lieberson APLU 202-478-6073 jlieberson@aplu.org Joe Steele LIFT 313-309-9132 jsteele@lift.technology DETROIT – Higher education and industry need to work together to adapt current curricula to reflect the knowledge and skills necessary to thriveRead More
NCMS Member MELD Named "Market Disruptor" at R&D 100 Awards
From http://meldmanufacturing.com/ MELD Manufacturing Corporation’s patented MELD™ technology has earned a spot in the 2018 R&D 100 Awards, an international competition that recognizes the 100 most exceptional innovations in science and technology from the past year. MELD™ was selected as the single most disruptive new technology and received a special Market Disruptor award. MELD™, which was named an R&D 100 finalist in August, is a revolution for additive manufacturing andRead More
NCMS Welcomes New Member Intent Design
The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) would like to welcome new member Intent Design. A global company headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, Intent Design is a diverse innovative team of engineers, designers, and artists who provide optimally engineered solutions for electrical, electronic, electro-mechanical, and mechanical products. Their team has an extensive innovative product portfolio across multiple industries with a collaborative process and a disciplinedRead More
Visit the NCMS Booth at the DoD Maintenance Symposium
Once again NCMS will have the prime location at this year’s DoD Maintenance Symposium held at the Tampa Convention Center, right in the middle of all the action. Mirroring the theme of the overall symposium, the NCMS booth will highlight innovative technologies that will assist with the lethality of our warfighter, through maintenance and sustainment. This year, the NCMS booth offers interactive, hands-on experiences. Our industry partners will enlighten attendees about technology thatRead More
Meet the Staff: Marc Sharp
In 1999, Marc Sharp enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Sharp has spent years honing his skills and reaching the rank of Gunnery Sergeant, leading Marines and training Marines on the basic fundamentals of combat marksmanship while maintaining 40+ heavy equipment machines. His Marine Corps travels have taken him to Africa, Eastern Europe, and Japan. In 2003, Sharp transferred into the Marine Corps Reserve, finished his bachelor’s degree at the University of Toledo, and entered “mostly”Read More
Lisa Strama: Protecting Additive Manufacturing Workflow with Blockchain Technology
From CEO World Magazine Each December, CEOWorld magazine identifies the top five technology trends poised to transform the world in the New Year. In 2018, Blockchain and Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing were two digital platforms recognized for the dramatic impact they have on global enterprise, particularly in leading industries such as manufacturing, government, and supply chain. As more industries are realizing the benefits of additive manufacturing (AM), it follows that theRead More
LIFT Releases Report Highlighting Four Critical Imperatives Universities Must Take to Improve Engineering Work-And-Learn Models
DETROIT – LIFT – Lightweight Innovations For Tomorrow, a Manufacturing USA institute, today announced the release of “Engineering Work-and-Learn: Imperatives for Innovation,” a report aimed to support universities work in better preparing engineering students for the workplace. The report captures four key imperatives for university faculty, administrators, and industry partners to innovate work-and-learn models to better prepare engineering students for work in industry. The fourRead More
NCMS Technology Showcase at Portsmouth is the Beginning of a Long-Term Relationship
Thirty-six companies and educational institutions attended the NCMS Technology Showcase at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Oct 24-26. Attendees from all over the shipyard were impressed and inspired by the innovative technologies. Word spread quickly that this was an event not to be missed. The presented technologies included metrology, fluid analysis, wiring fault finding, surface preparation and many others which, when implemented, will save time, improve production, and reduce costs. As aRead More
NCMS Technology Showcase at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Supports Warfighter Readiness
While the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was busy repairing and modernizing a variety of Los Angeles-class attack submarines, approximately 1,700 shipyard staff prioritized time to attend the recent NCMS Technology Showcase. The event introduced new and innovative technologies, products, and processes that could assist the maintenance and sustainment communities with filling unmet needs at the best cost. There were over 36 industry, academia, and non-profit exhibitors from across the U.S. thatRead More
Maintenance Innovation Challenge Finalists Announced; Three NCMS Members Included
The 2018 Maintenance Innovation Challenge (MIC) finalists have been announced. Included in the six finalists this year are three NCMS member companies including Wet Technologies, SurClean, Inc., and new member, Maglogix, LLC. Joining these are submissions from the U.S. Army and Air Force. All finalists have been invited to present their technologies on Monday, December 17 at the DoD Maintenance Symposium in Tampa, Florida. The Joint Technology Exchange Group (JTEG) principals chose theseRead More
19 NCMS Members Exhibiting at the 2018 DoD Maintenance Symposium
The 2018 DoD Maintenace Symposium, starting December 17th in Tampa, Florida, is the only event sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense solely focused on the maintenance and sustainment of weapon systems and equipment. NCMS has been an active participant in this event for many years and strongly encourages our member companies to participate and exhibit their innovative technologies. This year at least 19 NCMS members will be exhibiting. These companies include: Booth 321 -Read More
Maryland Dignitaries, Nation’s Top Manufacturers and Universities Convene in Aberdeen for AMMP Program Launch
Maryland, Harford County Celebrate Region’s Selection and Support at NCMS, Army Research Lab AMMP Kickoff National Defense Technology Revolution with Additive Manufacturing Prowess ABERDEEN, Md. – 12:01 a.m. ET Friday, October 26, 2018 Aberdeen, Maryland, is the hub for a major additive manufacturing (3D printing) initiative leading to unprecedented speed in parts production, new weapon system design and materials, dramatic cuts in costs and delivery times, and point-of-need partRead More
NCMS Appoints Two New Board Members
Two New Members Join NCMS Board of Directors Neal Orringer and A. Donald Steinman strengthen mission to develop and transition innovative technologies Ann Arbor, Michigan -- 10/9/2018 The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) announced the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors today. The appointments of Neal Orringer, 3D Systems’ vice president of alliances and partnerships, and A. Donald Steinman, executive vice president and general manager,Read More
Project Announcement: AMC Supply Chain Strategy Phase III
The Army Materiel Command (AMC) is seeking to investigate a supply chain strategy and an outcome-focused performance management capability. The foundation of this capability lies in establishing a metrics framework supported by decision-support tools. The initiative seeks to optimize Supply Availability and OIB operations to support Army maintenance and sustainment. Outcomes will enable AMC to better understand, manage and communicate its performance. To learn more, contact Marc SharpRead More
Project Announcement: Light-Weighting Materials
The U.S. Army TARDEC desires to develop a Metal Matrix Composite (MMC)-based rotor, with an applicable friction material solution, to meet the requirements of at least one dual-use Army/commercial vehicle platform. The initiative will evaluate and analyze other potential MMC applications that may be able to support integration with MMC material properties allowing for other potential applications. To learn more, please contact Lisa Stobierski at lisas@ncms.org or call 734-995-5636. NCMSRead More
Project Announcement: Enterprise Maintenance and Sustainment Strategic Transformation
The U.S. Navy is seeking support to develop and execute a strategic transformation strategy that addresses auditability and cybersecurity requirements to sustain the Navy’s logistics, sustainment, and financial management systems, as well as business processes, IT, and data. The project will demonstrate methods to improve the agility, efficiency, and effectiveness of a global enterprise’s financial, sustainment, maintenance, and logistics business. Those interested in learning more canRead More
Project Announcement: Stricken Aircraft Reclamation and Disposal Program
The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps are seeking support to facilitate the infusion of spare aircraft parts into the repair pipeline by harvesting each aircraft prior to its demilitarization and disposal. The reutilization of these parts reduces costs to the taxpayer and shortens the supply chain response time thereby improving readiness. The Navy is fully leveraged in its utilization of the current commercial and government outlets, but as new aircraft enter service, flight line and maintenanceRead More
Thermal Wave Imaging Technology Successful
The extensive use of composite materials in modern military aircraft poses a significant challenge to existing non-destructive inspection (NDI) technologies. In older aluminum aircraft, NDI could be performed by an inspector either visually or audibly, using a coin tap. Composite aircraft are more complex, since severe defects (e.g. ballistic impact damage, fluid ingress, delamination, adhesive disbonds) may not be visually detectable at the surface. Thermal Wave Imaging, Inc. (TWI)Read More
Sources Sought: Robust Wireless Technology Needed by NCMS Aviation Industry Partner
NCMS is assisting an aviation industry partner to seek and evaluate technologies that can gather telemetry engine data via a wireless system to communicate between engine sensors and airframe. The system should be able to withstand: The “under engine cowl” environment during normal operation of commercial aircraft Temperature range outer limits estimated to be -30 - 350 degrees F, (-34 – 176 degrees C) Vibration and barometric pressure not considered to be extreme in this case,Read More
Project Spotlight: Improving the Effectiveness of Combat Wounded Warfighters
When military equipment breaks, CTMA responds by developing tools and technologies to return assets to the fight with increased efficiency and effectiveness. CTMA is exploring improvements to return our most precious assets, our people, once they have been injured on the battlefield. Moving injured people safely and effectively is not a unique issue to the military. However, urban emergency responders with high-tech gurneys do not fit the needs of remote emergency responders, such as theRead More
Project Announcement: Durable Multi-Material Group I Adhesive Joints
The primary goal to develop reference hybrid joint solutions (adhesive and fastener) using group one adhesives. Regulatory pressures are driving the entire global transportation industry to reduce carbon emissions. Vehicle weight reduction is a primary strategy to reduce fuel consumption. To achieve this, developers have turned to non-traditional materials such as carbon fiber reinforced composites and mixed metals. However, incorporation of these materials introduces added complexity inRead More
Project Announcement: Multifunctional Surface Coating
The objective is to explore how coating systems interact with and enhance the performance of vehicular autonomy system sensors. Employing coatings to fine-tune reflectivity and emissivity signals discretely across a spectrum. Exploring coatings that can decouple EM wavelengths and frequencies to enable selective detection by special purpose sensors. Assessing coatings for protective shielding of sensors and electronics. And to understand the interaction between CARC and coatingsRead More
New Marine Corps Just in Time Learning site goes live
With technology and processes changing at lightning speed, the days when Marines could take the time to read and digest a manual to upgrade their skills and knowledge is gone. However, quickly learning new technologies and processes is no longer a challenge because the Marine Corps Global Combat Support System unit has a new “Jump Site” developed from the collaborative partnership between the Marine Corps, IR Technology, and NCMS. “One of the many benefits of the Just-in-Time LearningRead More
NCMS Appoints Lisa Strama as New President and CEO
Ann Arbor Michigan – September 17, 2018. The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) Board of Directors is pleased to announce Lisa Strama will become the fifth NCMS President and CEO of this 32-year organization created by Executive Order to assist U.S. manufacturing. Lisa will succeed Rick Jarman who has led NCMS to an exciting period of sustainable growth and “we expect Lisa’s leadership to enhance our role in building and strengthening US manufacturing” said Courtney Hill, NCMSRead More
NCMS Member PTC Leads Charting Digital Transformation with IIoT Use Cases with Automation Alley
Technology has the potential to transform every aspect of manufacturing, but charting the digital transformation journey and realizing its value can be overwhelming. Manufacturers around the globe and across industries struggle to decide where to begin, when to integrate digitization into business outcomes, and how to select the right high-value use cases. LearnRead More
Press Release: NCMS Ignites the Advanced Manufacturing Revolution with U.S. Army Research Laboratory
August 13, 2018 Ann Arbor Michigan NCMS Partners with ARL on AMMP to Solve the Complexities of Additive Manufacturing The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), a leader in innovation through collaboration, has reached an agreement with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) in Aberdeen, Maryland to manage the Advanced Manufacturing, Materials, and Processes (AMMP) program. The newly established AMMP, a collaboration of government, industry, and academic partners will lead toRead More
The New Decentralized Model of Secure Manufacturing
Originally published 7/31/2018 at Industry Today As more and more industries are realizing the benefits of additive manufacturing (AM), the transportation, distribution, and security of the needed digital files has become a major topic of consideration. The products of AM are only as viable as the integrity of the digital files and the printers that create them. The Department of Defense (DoD) is using AM for several maintenance activities and the security of those pieces cannot be left toRead More
NCMS' AMMP Consortium Launches First RPP
Last week, NCMS released the first request for prototype proposal (RPP) for the newly founded Advanced Manufacturing Materials and Processes (AMMP) Consortium. As with all future AMMP RPPs, RPP 18-01, “Additive Manufacturing of Next Generation High Strength Aluminum Alloys,” is now open to response from AMMP members. To learn more about AMMP and AMMP membership, visit https://www.ncms.org/ammp/. For questions about AMMP RPP 18-01, AMMP members mayRead More
First ever Technology Showcase at U.S. Naval Facility in Japan attended by record crowd
Despite record heat and humidity, over 1,000 people attended the first-ever NCMS Technology Showcase at the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility in Yokosuka, Japan. The repair facility is responsible for repairing and maintaining the entire 7th fleet and is the largest overseas U.S. Naval installation. It is considered one of the most strategically important bases in the U.S. military. Most categories of naval vessels are serviced there including command ships, aircraft carriers, destroyers,Read More
Funding Deadline for New CTMA Projects August 17
Important deadline!: The window for project funding through Commercial Technology for Maintenance Activities (CTMA)’s Cooperative Agreement is closing very soon. Funding must be received in house no later than Friday, August 17 in order to leverage this contract vehicle for all obligated projects. For more information contact Debbie Lilu at debral@ncms.org or callRead More
Project Spotlight: Advanced Mobile Universal Electrical Tooling (AMUET) Brings ATE Avionics Anomaly Detection to the Flight Line
NCMS’ industry partners have been involved for years in the development of technologies to improve identification and repair of anomalies in complex electrical systems. These anomalies are a common source of maintenance problems, but as electrical systems grow more complex, they become more difficult to locate. Traditionally, technicians would use automatic test equipment (ATE) or handheld meters to resolve them, but the latter are time-consuming to use and vulnerable to human error, while theRead More
NCMS Releases "Protecting the Additive Manufacturing Workflow with Blockchain Technology" White Paper
As more and more industries are realizing the benefits of additive manufacturing (AM), the transportation, distribution, and security of the needed digital files has become a major topic of consideration. The products of AM are only as viable as the integrity of the digital files and the printers that create them. The Department of Defense (DoD) is using AM for several maintenance activities and the security of those pieces cannot be left to chance. Today, the sheer volume of data producedRead More
NCMS Welcomes Three New Staff Members
NCMS is glad to welcome three new additions to the team, Cosima Boswell-Koller, Jennifer Khoury, and Eleanor Shelton! Coming from diverse backgrounds and each supporting different aspects of NCMS’ work, their arrival will be a major help as NCMS continues to grow its portfolio of projects and initiatives. We’re excited to have them on board! Cosima Boswell-Koller, PhD joins NCMS as a Senior Project Manager. She comes to us from NAVAIR Patuxent River, where she has worked in the MaterialsRead More
NCMS Member Merit Network Expands Cybersecurity Footprint with Cyber Range
Most of Michigan’s citizens conduct online business with companies every day. You may be one of the millions of residents in our state that, possibly hundreds of times a day, downloads and uploads web-based information. Everything from business to banking, from education to property, from medical to transportation, and from defense to entertainment is hosted as digital information. And the unfortunate reality is that all of it is at risk to cyberattacks every day. Consider the broadRead More
Follow NCMS Updates by Email and on Social Media
We’re midway through the 20th year of NCMS’ Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Activities (CTMA) Program, and so far, it has been a whirlwind. We don’t know if you’ve been keeping track—sometimes, it’s hard for us too! In our roster of programs, CTMA has been joined by the Advanced Manufacturing Materials and Processes (AMMP) Working Group; NCMS staff have organized, manned booths, and spoken at a spate of industry and Department of Defense events; and, this week, NCMS and several partnersRead More
2018 Maintenance Innovation Challenge Competition Open
Submissions for the 2018 Maintenance Innovation Challenge (MIC) are being accepted! The competition, announced by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Maintenance Policy and Programs (OASD MPP), will take place at the Department of Defense (DoD) Maintenance Symposium in Tampa this December. The MIC identifies promising new maintenance technologies with the potential to enhance the maintenance operations of the U.S. Armed Forces, bolstering their readiness and the nation’sRead More
NCMS Investing in Additive Manufacturing: NCMS to Open New Manufacturing Center in Maryland
The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) is pleased to announce plans to establish a new manufacturing innovation center in Harford County, Maryland. Focusing on developing next-generation industrial additive manufacturing, materials, and processes, this facility will house leading engineers and the world’s most powerful production technology. Collaboration at the center will lead to scientific breakthroughs in metallurgy and plastics, as well as the launch of new factoryRead More
Project Spotlight: Degradation Prevention for Long-Term Tire Storage Sustainment
Improving Tire Durability in Storage with PPG Protective Coatings A serious problem affecting vehicle maintenance operations is the degradation that tires and rim sets undergo when kept in long-term storage. “For years,” the automotive web publication Edmunds reports, “people have relied on a tire's tread depth to determine its condition. But the rubber compounds in a tire deteriorate with time, regardless of the condition of the tread.”[1] This problem affects car, truck, bus, and tractorRead More
NCMS This Quarter: Non-Destructive Inspection
NCMS is dedicating the third quarter of 2018 to non-destructive inspection (NDI)—the methods and technologies that allow systems and components to be assessed while leaving them unaltered. Many common inspection methods rely on placing stress on, extracting samples from, or damaging an object in a controlled way to assess its performance or integrity. However, the modern world is full of examples of infrastructure, vehicles and vehicles systems, and machinery—engines, aircraft wings, bridgeRead More
NCMS Welcomes Q2 New Members, Additions to AMMP
The second quarter of 2018 has been a busy one for NCMS. May saw both our annual Members Meeting and the CTMA/DLA Partners Meeting in May in Richmond, VA, at which the range of our membership’s capabilities was on full view. Elsewhere, we helped organize the Michigan Manufacturers Association’s 2018 MFG Forum, gave out our first CTMA Leadership Award, and crowned this year’s winner of the CTMA Technology Competition. We were also joined by eight new members, including some new members of theRead More
2018 DoD Advanced Composite Maintainers TIM Recap
NCMS thanks all the presenters, exhibitors, and attendees who joined us at North Island Naval Air Station for the 2018 DoD Advanced Composite Maintainers Technical Interchange Meeting. This year’s event took place in Coronado, CA at the Island Club at North Island Naval Air Station between June 12 to 14. The event featured speeches, working group sessions, and a tabletop reception at which participants showcased their technologies, all focusing on the manufacturing, tooling, deployment, andRead More
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Continues to Grow in Manufacturing, across Economy
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLM) reported strong job growth and falling unemployment rates in May, with over 18,000 manufacturing jobs added last month: “Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 223,000 in May, and the unemployment rate edged down to 3.8 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Employment continued to trend up in several industries, including retail trade, health care, and construction.” “The unemployment rate edged down to 3.8 percent in May,Read More
Twenty years in the making, CTMA Partners Meeting celebrates the program's accomplishments
The 2018 CTMA/DLA Partners Meeting was an intensive three days of engaging speeches, interactive maintenance focused technology panels, multiple project presentations tracks, and a stimulating technology competition that concluded the event. With the theme of “Supplying Game Changing Technology to the DoD’s maintenance community,” it was a gathering of government and industry partners all focused on enhancing warfighter readiness. Partners at the meeting were offered a tour of DefenseRead More
NCMS, APLU, & LIFT Host Workshop on Revamping Work-and-Learn Strategies in Higher Ed
On June 4-5, NCMS, along with the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU) and Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow (LIFT), a Manufacturing USA institute, will be holding a meeting titled “Securing the Future of American Engineering & Manufacturing,” subtitled “A Workshop on the New, Re-Imagined World of Universities and Work-and-Learn Workforce Development Strategies,” in Washington, DC. Over the past year, NCMS has been engaged in a partnership with APLU and LIFT toRead More
2018 CTMA/DLA Partners Meeting Recap
NCMS would like to thank all the participants, presenters, and exhibitors at the 2018 CTMA/DLA Partners Meeting! Thanks also go out to the sponsor of this year’s event, Siemens, and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for hosting it at DLA Distribution Richmond. CTMA Partners Meetings serve as lively, engaging, and informative venues for project participants from government and industry to learn and connect. Our three days together provided a welcome opportunity to network face-to-face, shareRead More
Project Spotlight: Composite Inspection with a Wide Field of Vision: Thermal Wave Imaging’s LASLAT System
Large-Standoff, Large-Area Thermography (LASLAT) Nondestructive testing has played a central role in the long-running struggle against aviation accidents. In the 1990s, technicians used dye penetrant inspection and magnetic-particle and fluorescent-particle methods to detect fine cracks in engine components, a step up from trying to spot cracks with a borescope or the naked eye. It was these methods that would be lumped together under the name “non-destructive inspection” (NDI). OfRead More
Meet the Staff: John Keippala
One of John’s earliest memories was flying to Pakistan as a five-year-old when his father got a new a job as a primary school teacher. This first intercontinental flight is the experience to which John attributes his love of all things aerospace. At the age of 24, he was enrolled at the University of Michigan, continuing his path toward becoming an aerospace engineer. After he graduated in 1996, he was hired by Hughes Space and Communications. In 2000, Hughes was purchased by Boeing, and JohnRead More
Michigan Manufacturers Association Forum Recap
NCMS extends its thanks to all the Michigan manufacturers and business leaders who participated in the Michigan Manufacturers Association’s 2018 MFG Forum. The theme of this year’s forum was the fourth industrial revolution or Industry 4.0; the event focused on the impact that automation, digitalization, the Internet of Things, and modern energy storage technologies will have on the Michigan economy and how Michigan companies can adapt to and leverage emerging technologies to attainRead More
NCMS Celebrates CTMA’s 20th Anniversary with its First Annual Member Meeting
The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) hosted its first annual NCMS Membership Meeting last week in Richmond VA. Designed to highlight the variety of ways NCMS members benefit from their membership, the meeting was attended by potential, new, and experienced members. “Our intention was to provide our members the opportunity to receive updates on NCMS and network in a small group, face-to-face environment for maximum connectivity. Hearing from other members how they best useRead More
Department of Defense recognizes the first CTMA Leadership Award winner
Angela Padgett, Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) East 4.0 Advanced Technology IPT Lead, receives first CTMA Leadership Award Ann Arbor, MI, May 16, 2018 — Angela Padgett, advanced technology lead with the Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) East, at Cherry Point, NC received the first CTMA Leadership Award for her dedication to the Product Lifecycle Management program in support of the NAVAIR community. Presented during the Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Activities (CTMA) Annual PartnersRead More
Maglogix, LLC Wins 2018 CTMA Technology Competition with Multi-Pole Permanent Magnets
On Wednesday, May 9, Maglogix, LLC won the 2018 CTMA Technology Competition at the CTMA/DLA Partners Meeting in Richmond, VA. Maglogix, LLC presented on the use of phase-cancelling multi-pole permanent magnets (MP magnets) to improve the safety and efficiency of manual work in maintenance settings. Maglogix incorporates MP magnets into mounts, fixtures, and handlifters that help technicians manipulate heavy tools, equipment, and material, e.g., for mounting power drills and holding metalRead More
Minnesota Wire: Fast, Flexible, and Adaptable Wiring Assembly Manufacturing
Member Spotlight: Minnesota Wire An array of industries—medical, defense, instrumentation, smart clothing, and telecommunications—require custom wiring solutions, and NCMS member Minnesota Wire supplies wire, cable, and interconnect assemblies to all of them. The company is a market and R&D leader in electrical signal integrity, low-noise cable, and radio-translucent wire, and its vertically integrated structure allows it to execute solutions from concept to production flexibly, quickly,Read More
Adding Blockchain Capabilities for DoD and IC Customers
NCMS and Guardtime Federal Sign Contract for KSI Blockchain Ann Arbor, Michigan -- 5/4/2018 The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences and Guardtime Federal have signed a contract as the key supplier for KSI Blockchain software and services. Guardtime Federal provides a US-based, permission-based blockchain that differs from the typical Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) approach as it does not proliferate the customer’s information to a large community as part of a root ofRead More
Enhancing Volumetric Accuracy of Large Machine Tools
From Modern Machine Shop https://www.mmsonline.com/blog/post/enhancing-volumetric-accuracy-of-large-machine-tools MARK ALBERT Editorial Director, Modern Machine Shop Large, monolithic parts are the trend in many aerospace and defense systems. These parts call for machine tools with the capacity to process them, often in three, four or five axes. However, it is difficult to maintain the accuracy of large machine structures, especially in the outer reaches of axis movement. CalibratingRead More
Universal Synaptics Ken Anderson, Featured NCMS Member Meeting Panelist, Promoted to President & CEO
Congratulations to NCMS member Universal Synaptics on the recent promotion of Ken Anderson to President & CEO. Join Ken at the upcoming NCMS Member Meeting in Richmond, VA on May 7th. Ken Anderson, who for the past 10 years has served as the company’s Vice President – Sales and Business Development, will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer. Jon Lee will join the company as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Nate Johnson has been appointed Vice PresidentRead More
PPG Adhesives Help Vehicle Manufacturers Build Lighter, Stronger
When automotive engineers look to improve the fuel economy of their vehicles, increasing the efficiency of their engines is only half of the equation. Maximizing the number of miles an engine can eke out from one gallon of fuel only goes so far before they have to consider the weight of the car that engine propels. That’s the reason lightweighting has become a major area of interest for vehicle manufacturers; a lighter vehicle burns less fuel than a heavier one to accelerate by the same amount.Read More
NCMS Attends MRO Americas
From April 10-12, NCMS attended MRO Americas Aviation Week, a leading industry event for commercial aviation and air transport. MRO Americas provided an outstanding opportunity to share knowledge and best-practices, catch a glimpse of industry trends and innovations, and promote the maintenance and sustainment capabilities of NCMS and its network. This year’s MRO featured over 800 exhibitors. MRO Americas regularly hosts over 15,000 attendees who come from air carriers, distributors,Read More
Emerging Project Exploration: Aircraft Lightening Strikes
As part of an emerging project exploration, an NCMS partner is seeking images of planes that have been damaged because of lightning strikes to the aircraft. After a strike, many times there is visible exterior damage – a superficial entry or exit wound – or minor injury to the plane’s electrical systems, but a strike typically leaves little or no evidence. However, if photographs have been taken of the strike site, even with no visible damage, these images would also be welcome. AnyRead More
The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) Signs Agreement with Moog to Perform Co-Funded Work Supporting Adaptation of Blockchain Technology for Additive Manufacturing
Ann Arbor MI, April 2, 2018 – The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) and Moog Inc. (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B) have signed an 18 month contract to perform co-funded work in support of applying Moog’s VeriPart™ solution, adapting blockchain technology for additive manufacturing. This agreement will allow Moog’s VeriPart™ solution to be demonstrated via Microsoft Azure Blockchain. NCMS will provide project and contract management while leveraging this project to enhance Department ofRead More
NCMS Welcomes Q1 New Members, Additions to AMMP
2017 was a momentous year for NCMS, filled with new partnerships, initiatives, and offerings for its membership. Now, in the first months of 2018, NCMS has been joined by seven new members, including members of its new Advanced Manufacturing Materials Processes (AMMP) working group. AMMP is a new partnership with the Army Research Lab (ARL) to apply Additive Manufacturing (AM) to needs in today’s defense manufacturing landscape, accelerating production, increasing the cost-effectiveness andRead More
NCMS This Quarter: Focus on Composites and Advanced Materials
Next month, NCMS is launching the first of its theme quarters, dedicated to highlighting the work of NCMS and its partners on a specific technology or area of manufacturing. The theme for April-June 2018 is Composites and Advanced Materials, focusing on materials that combine multiple substances in layers or more complex configurations to create amalgamations with unique properties. Numerous NCMS projects involve the design, production, application, and maintenance of these materials, and theRead More
Perisense Sensors Retrofit Shop Floors with IIoT Connectivity
The modern shop floor poses an interesting conundrum for manufacturers: In one sense, it operates more efficiently than it ever has, with numerous machines performing more work with minimal human supervision or intervention. In another, that lack of human involvement creates a blind spot—absent major breakdowns or failures, manufacturers have little knowledge about how well their machines are actually operating. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) based technologies are rushing in to remedyRead More
Thermal Wave Imaging, Honeywell, Show Potential of CTMA Technology Competition Wins
NCMS is currently accepting submissions for the 2018 CTMA Technology Competition, and submissions will be accepted until April 6. Participants can download and submit an abstract and quad chart here. Finalists' presentations for the CTMA Technology Competition will take place at the CTMA/DLA Partners Meeting, May 7-9, 2018 in Richmond, VA; register now to attend. From Presentations to DoD Partnerships: The CTMA Technology Competition Winners NCMS’ CTMA Technology Competition has been aRead More
The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences and the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing Announce New Collaboration
Prince George County, Va. — Today the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) and the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) announced they have entered a mutual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU indicates CCAM will join NCMS effectively immediately; NCMS will join CCAM as a Government Member. NCMS is expected to officially be voted into the consortium during CCAM’s May 3rd board meeting. The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) is one of theRead More
NCMS Member Merit Network and Partner Security Vitals Partner on New Initiative
NCMS congratulates member Merit Network which will be collaborating with Security VItals on product reviews for SC Magazine. Press release provided by Security Vitals: Security Vitals has been awarded a new contract with Haymarket Media, publisher of SC Magazine. After an extensive search and review process, Haymarket Media selected Security Vitals as the firm to conduct SC Magazine product reviews beginning in 2018. This latest venture reinforces Security Vitals’ thought leadership in theRead More
Manufacturing Talent in a High Tech World podcast features NCMS' Pam Hurt
NCMS' Pam Hurt joined Michigan Spotlight Radio's Business Rap Program for "Manufacturing Talent in a High Tech World," with a panel of experts including, Gary Carr, Bekum America Corp., Tom Alongi, UHY Advisors, Brett Gerrish, Michigan Manufacturers Association (M.M.A), moderated by Elyse Kopietz, of the M.M.A. This 4 part series covered the following topics: Industry 4.0: Opportunities & Threats for the Michigan Manufacturer; What is Industry 4.0? Looking back 10 years, whatRead More
NCMS Members API, MCT Present Automated Measurement and Inspection Technology at FRCE
Last month, NCMS member, Automated Precision, Inc. (API) presented updates on a new “time spectral measurement interferometry” (TSMI) sensor technology to a technical team at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) in Cherry Point, NC. As part of the Logistics Innovation Project (LIF), API is developing a semi-automated measuring system for non-destructive inspection (NDI) of turbine engine rotor compressor blades. The system incorporates several of API’s technologies including their TSMI sensorRead More
NCMS, LIFT, APLU Release New Set of Recommendations to Prepare Higher Education Students for Lightweight Manufacturing Advancements
NCMS leadership worked with APLU and LIFT to establish a second report with recommendations on Aligning Technology and Talent Development. College & University Faculty Team Recommends Paths to Building Competencies and Workforce Strategies for New Lightweighting Technologies DETROIT – A new report from leading higher education and workforce experts details a second set of recommendations for colleges and universities to modify current curricula to reflect the knowledge and skillsRead More
SAS Institute, NCMS Bridge NAVAIR Aircraft Maintenance Gap
For the U.S. Navy Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), keeping aircraft operational and ready for flight is an integral part of its role in protecting national security. The issue of how to make maintenance more efficient, conserve resources, and deliver increased uptime for the time and effort expended is of some urgency for NAVAIR; for several years, it has struggled with an “RBA gap” that has constrained its readiness and capability. Data analytics capability is a major barrier—and a crucialRead More
NCMS Congratulates Members Navitas and Lockheed Martin on New US Lithium Custom Cell Manufacturing Line
Navitas Systems LLC (www.navitassys.com), a leading provider of lithium energy storage products for commercial, industrial, and government/military customers, announced today that it has installed a new, automated lithium-ion cell production line at its Advanced Solutions Group facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This state-of-the-art facility has the capability to produce more than one million custom format pouch cells per year, enabling Navitas to design, prototype, and produce advanced cellRead More
NCMS’ Senior Vice President Rebecca Taylor approved for a seat on the DHS’ Critical Manufacturing Sector Coordinating Council
NCMS Joining Department of Homeland Security’s Critical Manufacturing Sector Coordinating Council Ann Arbor, Michigan -- 2/12/2018 The executive committee of the Department of Homeland Security’s Critical Manufacturing Sector Coordinating Council has approved NCMS’ Senior Vice President Rebecca Taylor to represent the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences as a member of the Council. To effectively utilize industry and government resources devoted to security, the Council has beenRead More
NCMS' Dana Ellis cited in "Test and Measurement Gear Evolves to Measure AM Parts"
AdvancedManufacturing.org cites NCMS' Senior Program Manager Dana Ellis on the importance of Additive Manufacturing in the DoD. A look at some of the more challenging AM applications, as envisioned by the US Department of Defense, illustrates the direction some of the technical solutions may take. According to Dana Ellis, senior project manager for the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (Ann Arbor, MI), the DOD is heavily researching AM as a way of solving some of its unique problems.Read More
CTMA Technology Competition Extended to April 20
The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) and the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Maintenance Policy and Programs are pleased to announce that the CTMA Technology Competition will be returning this year! NCMS will begin accepting submissions in early February. The deadline for submissions is April 20, 2018. The six finalists will be announced on April 12 and will be invited to present their submissions in person on May 9. Presentations need to be inRead More
NCMS Calls for Presenters to Showcase Technologies at DoD Advanced Composite Maintainers Technical Interchange Meeting
NCMS is accepting submissions for speakers highlighting new technologies at the 2018 Department of Defense (DoD) Advanced Composite Maintainers Technical Interchange Meeting (TIM). Presenting at the TIM is an exceptional opportunity to tout your organization’s achievements, current projects, and specialized expertise to a broad cross-section of industry and the defense maintenance community. Subject matter should be related to composite materials and maintenance. Submission is open to allRead More
IFDIS Intermittent Fault Detection Incorporated into F/A-18 Engineering Specifications
The IFDIS (Intermittent Fault Detection and Isolation System) project reached a new milestone: The F/A-18 Fleet Support Team (FST) Avionics Branch, working closely with the Advanced Technology Innovation (ATI) Team at the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, incorporated full IFDIS testing into the Local Engineering Specifications (LES) of the Generator Converter Unit (GCU) of F/A-18A-D Block Super Hornet aircraft. The F/A-18 is a supersonic, multi-role combat aircraft used by the US Navy. The GCURead More
SVP Rebecca Taylor Talks 21st-Century Manufacturing at Bentonville Conference
NCMS Senior Vice President Rebecca Taylor spoke last week at the Bentonville Conference on American Life hosted by Walmart. Ms. Taylor was part of a panel of experts that discussed American manufacturing in the 21st century and how the workforce of the future will evolve to accommodate emerging technologies. The event brought together leaders from industry, academia, and think tanks to discuss how American families are living and working in their communities and how technological change willRead More
Meet the Staff: Nicholas Brown
Nick Brown has always known what he likes: organization, logistics, and processes that make sense. He readily admits that he is a list person and often begins the day with a list of tasks he can cross off. “I am a very organized person. I like to plan things out and keep track of projects to make sure that I am going in the right direction,” Nick says. He received his bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering and a certificate in Entrepreneurship, both from the UniversityRead More
Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for 2018 from NCMS!
A message from Rick Jarman, NCMS President: As we approach the holidays, we look back on an exciting year for NCMS. 2017 was a year full of great strides and new opportunities that saw NCMS successfully complete over two-dozen collaborative projects with government and industry partners and launch over 40 more. In the meantime, our organization broadened its resource offerings to our network, and we continue to expand and strengthen its network of relationships with federal agencies seekingRead More
NCMS Announces Retirement of Haynes, Chenevert
NCMS is announcing the retirement of two of our senior program managers – Tony Haynes and Bill Chenevert. They both have had distinguished careers with NCMS with a combined 39 years of service. Tony Haynes joined NCMS in 1992 following 29 years with Texas Instruments. Over his 25 years with NCMS he’s led the CTMA team as Senior Program Manager and served as the Interim Director of CTMA. Additionally, Tony has managed several projects to Defense Maintenance Excellence and R&D 100Read More
Advertise Your Organization in the 2018 CTMA Magazine
Production of the 20th-anniversary edition of the CTMA magazine is underway, and NCMS is offering the opportunity to advertise in its pages to both members and non-members. The CTMA magazine features expert contributions on industry trends, highlights developments in commercial maintenance technology, and showcases the work done by NCMS partners through the Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Activities (CTMA) program. It is released every year in May and reaches an engaged audience ofRead More
2017 Maintenance Innovation Challenge Winner Announced
Congratulations to Justin Massey and Andrea Boxell from NAVAIR for winning the 2017 Maintenance Innovation Challenge (MIC) at the DoD Maintenance Symposium. Their winning technology, DRIFT Composite Heat Damage Evaluation of V-22 Wing, aims to solve the problem of uncertainty of undetected incipient heat damage in composite materials used on DoD aircraft after a high-temperature event. Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform (DRIFT) is a chemical analysis technique used forRead More
U.S. Air Force Logistics Honored with Prestigious General Spencer Award for Innovation
One Network and NCMS Accelerate U.S. Air Force Logistics and Acquisitions The Logistics Information Technology Innovation Team was recently presented with the prestigious Gen. Larry O. Spencer Innovation Award, an annual award intended to recognize an individual or team whose actions demonstrate innovation in cost and manpower savings to improve efficiency, operational readiness, and replication of the innovation across the Air Force enterprise. Lieutenant Colonel Bradley Fisher wasRead More
NCMS Welcomes 6 New Members in Q4
In the last quarter of 2017, NCMS added six new members who bring a wide assortment of capabilities and expertise to our organization. The American Ceramic Society, Analatom, Delta, Elevate, and Minnesota Wire joined NCMS since October, deepening and strengthening its roster of partnerships and helping to bolster the largest cross-industry, collaborative research and development consortium in North America. We welcome our new members and look forward to collaborating with them on theirRead More
NCMS and the DoD celebrate 20 years of collaboration through CTMA
Ann Arbor, Michigan -- 11/30/2017 The U.S. military has become more efficient, more productive, and better prepared because of its partnership with the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS). To protect our country, the Department of Defense (DoD) has looked to organizations such as NCMS and its Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Activities (CTMA) program to provide solutions to its equipment, sustainment, and maintenance needs. CTMA enables the military to work with NCMSRead More
NCMS to Livestream Portions of DoD Maintenance Symposium
NCMS will be livestreaming 3 sessions during the 2017 DoD Maintenance Symposium. These sessions include: Maintenance Innovation Challenge Panel Monday, December 4, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm EST Tech Data, Intellectual Property, and Weapon System Sustainment Wednesday, December 6, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST CBM+: A Materiel Readiness Enabler Thursday, December 7, 10:00 am - 12:00 am EST. All sessions can be livestreamed at: https://ncms.adobeconnect.com/mxsymposium/ More informationRead More
Booz Allen Hamilton, NCMS Provide Roadmap to Augment USAF Energy Assurance
NCMS Project Spotlight: Minimizing the Air Force Vulnerability During Smart Grid Upgrades NCMS and member Booz Allen Hamilton are increasing the U.S. Air Force’s awareness of energy solutions and areas in which new technologies can be incorporated into Air Force facilities. Their efforts support a thrust by the Air Force Secretariat to sustain and improve installations’ electric service. Assuring reliable access to energy and increasing the resilience of energy infrastructure have becomeRead More
Meet the Staff: Lisa Stobierski
Ms. Lisa Stobierski is a Senior Project Manager at NCMS overseeing major collaborative R&D projects between industry, academia, and the government, sponsored by DoD and the EPA. These projects include, but are not limited to, the development and evaluation of innovations for coatings and their applications processes, including thermal spray and powder coating, light-weighting applications for next-generation combat vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and projects for the combat supportRead More
Aerospace Manufacturing and Design Spotlights Siemens, NCMS CNC Project
Results of a CTMA project, Volumetric Accuracy for Large Machine Tools completed in 2010, play a prominent role in a recent feature article in Aerospace Manufacturing and Design Magazine. The CTMA project was a collaboration of Siemens Energy and Automation, The Boeing Company, Cincinnati Machine (now a part of FIVES Automation), Automated Precision Inc. (API), Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, and the Naval Foundry and Propeller Center. The feature article of the October 2017 issue ofRead More
Aerospace Maintenance Council Hosts First Ever Defense Maintenance Competition
The Aerospace Maintenance Council will host the first Defense Maintenance Competition Monday, December 4 from 12:30-1:00 p.m. and then 4:30-7:00 p.m. during the Defense Maintenance and Logistics Exhibition. This competition recognizes and celebrates aviation/defense maintenance technicians and raises awareness of the knowledge and skill required to maintain safe, airworthy aircraft, worldwide. The competition provides an opportunity for current and future maintenance v bprofessionals toRead More
Meet NCMS at the 2017 DoD Maintenance Symposium
The 2017 DoD Maintenance Symposium will be held from December 4-7 at the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City. The symposium is a venue for knowledge-sharing and networking among maintainers, industry leaders, military and government officials, and all other members of the DoD maintenance community. This year’s theme is “Maintaining the Joint Force Competitive Advantage through Innovative, Agile, and Adaptive Capabilities.” Event details and registration informationRead More
NCMS Sr. VP Rebecca Taylor to speak at new Industry 4.0 conference, Integr8™, Nov. 9 in Detroit
Rebecca Taylor, Sr. VP of NCMS will be speaking at Integr8™, a new cross-discipline global conference focused on Industry 4.0 technologies, Nov. 9 in Detroit. The conference, the first of its kind to tackle the integration of the eight technologies currently disrupting the manufacturing industry, is being hosted by Automation Alley. Rebecca will be sharing her expertise in cybersecurity for IT/OT, one of eight technologies associated with Industry 4.0, also known as the fourth industrialRead More
Pendaran offers free training to NCMS Member organizations.
Pendaran is continuing an exclusive offering to NCMS members. During the Pendaran training sessions in December and January, NCMS member organizations have the opportunity to send 3 participants to Pendaran Virtual Workplace – Experience Simulator, free of charge, a 00 value. These sessions will be held at the NCMS facility in Ann Arbor. Member organizations can spread their 3 free courses across the scheduled classes found on the NCMS events page. Not an NCMS Member? You can startRead More
Applying Blockchain Digital Asset Technology to Additive Manufacturing
“The future of Air Force logistics will find Airmen tapping into a secure digital network of archived additive manufacturing specifications, allowing for the 3D-printed creation of a weapons system component whenever and wherever needed.” General Pawlikowski, AFMC Commander, AFA Conference Sept 2017. Blockchain is a distributed ledger that provides a way for information to be recorded and shared within a network or organization. The information could represent transactions, contracts,Read More
Join NCMS at the DoD Maintenance Symposium Dec 4 - 6
The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) will be exhibiting in booth 319 in support of the Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Activities (CTMA) program at the 2017 Department of Defense (DOD) Maintenance Symposium and Exhibition in Salt Lake City, UT. In the booth, along with NCMS are six partners; Analatom Inc, Automated Precision Inc., Benchmark Electronics Inc, Hexagon Manufacturing, Spectro Scientific, and Universal Synaptics Corporation. For bios about these NCMS memberRead More
2017 Maintenance Innovation Challenge Finalists Announced
The 2017 Maintenance Innovation Challenge (MIC) finalists have been announced. The 6 finalist will present their MIC submissions at the DoD Maintenance Symposium in December. Expeditionary Hydraulic Fluid Analysis Yurko, Robert / Henning, Patrick Spectro Scientific Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) Morris, Timothy / Ivory, Charles U.S. Air Force, 412th Test Wing, 412th Maintenance Group DRIFT Composite Heat Damage Evaluation of V-22 Wing Thompson, Robert / Massey,Read More
Save the Date for the 2018 CTMA Annual Partners and Integrated Project Meeting
Join NCMS for the 2018 CTMA Annual Partners and Integrated Project Meeting, 7-9 May 2018 in Richmond, VA at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The focus of this year’s event is “Supplying Game Changing Technology to DoD’s Sustainment Community”. The CTMA program has the ideal collaborative model for manufacturers, academia, and DoD with the unique ability to cut through “red tape” and launch a new project within 45 days of receiving approval to proceed with a project or initiative.Read More
NCMS Joins GE Minds + Machines Exclusive Event
With an exclusive invitation, NCMS' Rebecca Taylor will join the GE Minds + Machines General Counsel Forum: Policy Challenges around the Industrial Internet. This forum, held Wednesday, October 25, brings together some of the nations foremost thought leaders in regards to cybersecurity policy and procedure. Learn more about this event atRead More
Remembering Richard Morley
A special note from NCMS President Rick Jarman: It is with deep sadness that I am announcing that Dick Morley passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2018. Dick was affiliated with NCMS for many years as a member and leader on our Strategic Technology Board where I got to know and appreciate him. In the late 90’s he was elected Chairman of the NCMS Board and began the reinvention of NCMS that put us on the successful path we have taken. He was one of the country’s most brilliantRead More
Present your Point of Maintenance Aid to JTEG
NCMS is seeking speakers to present October 31 at the October JTEG Technology Forum featuring Point of Maintenance Aids. JTEG Technology Forums are a venue for manufacturing leaders to share knowledge and discuss new advances and technology applications in their fields, especially as they apply to U.S. Armed Services maintenance needs. The forums give participants the opportunity to showcase their work and tout their accomplishments to an audience of industry peers andRead More
NCMS' Marc Sharp Speaks to Benefits of Propane for Fleet Vehicles
In 81st LRS takes action to conserve energy, a recent article on DVIDS hub, NCMS Marc Sharp shares initial research comparing the benefits of propane and gasoline for fleet use. In addition to being length="500".50 cheaper per gallon than gasoline, Sharp explains more benefits of using propane. “Vehicle fleet managers integrating propane as the primary fuel for their fleets have seen significantly lower operating costs while experiencing improved maintenance efficiencies, fewer fuel-relatedRead More
7 Key Steps to Help You Achieve NIST 800-171 Compliance
NCMS and Rob Cote, CEO of Security Vitals, offered for a free educational webinar discussing the implications of and steps toward compliance with the NIST cybersecurity guidelines. The presentation covers a 7-step process on how to achieve NIST 800-171 Compliance by the fDec. 31, 2017, deadline. Because NIST 800-171 demands specialized resources to implement, manage, and maintain, addressing NIST requirements can put a real strain on manufacturing organizations. With the added risk of lostRead More
DoD Manufacturing USA Institutes Features NCMS' Efforts With LIFT
"DoD Manufacturing USA Institutes" recent issue highlights some of the work NCMS has collaborated on with the Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow (LIFT) Department of Defense (DoD) Manufacturing USA institute. The Manufacturing USA institutes are tasked not only with facilitating the advancement of new technologies into the marketplace, but also with helping to ensure the pipeline of workers has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to use those technologies in the workplace. WithRead More
TARDEC Releases 30-Year Strategy Value Stream Analysis
NCMS Partner TARDEC, The United States Army Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center, recently released their 30 Year Strategy document. This release highlights the Army's ground vehicle technology needs as TARDEC continues to develop, integrate, and sustain advanced manned and unmanned ground system capabilities for the current and future force. Read full release here: TARDEC 30-YearRead More
NCMS welcomes new Q3 members Benchmark Electronics, PTC, PwC, and UBT
In the third quarter of 2017, four new members joined NCMS, adding their unique strengths and specializations to NCMS’ diverse member base. NCMS welcomes Benchmark Electronics, PTC, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Unified Business Technologies as they become part of the largest cross-industry, collaborative research and development consortium in North America. We look forward to supporting their groundbreaking work and engaging their capabilities and expertise. Benchmark Electronics BenchmarkRead More
Eclypse Test Equipment Pins Down Elusive Wiring Faults
NCMS Member Spotlight: Eclypse International Wire degradation produces costly and difficult-to-identify faults that can endanger operators, limit aircraft readiness, and lead to additional failures down the road. This month, NCMS is spotlighting one of its members whose products help the U.S. military and private industry isolate degraded wiring, drastically reduce the necessity of repair, and conduct aircraft maintenance in a fraction of the time it took using older methods: EclypseRead More
Celebrate Manufacturing Day Friday, October 6th!
Friday, October 6, 2017, is Manufacturing DaySM, a day designated to highlight the achievements of North American manufacturing and to celebrate the role of manufacturers in the economy and their communities. To mark the occasion, on October 6 and in the following weeks, universities, manufacturing companies, and industry associations are hosting events that range from school field trips to open houses to networking events and job fairs for STEM graduates. These events are prime opportunitiesRead More
Fostering the Industrial Internet to Accelerate Economic Growth and Transformation
The global economy is undergoing a profound transformation as industry and society integrate the sophisticated information technology systems often referred to as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) into modern engineering, production processes, and economic activity. NCMS Rebecca Taylor recently spoke with industry and legislative leaders on this transition. Taylor remarks "Manufacturers are starting to see the value of the industrial internet – when operating technology meetsRead More
Maintenance Innovation Challenge Deadline Extended to 9/28
Over the past month, our country has seen numerous natural disasters from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma to numerous wildfires affecting the west from California to Washington. The impact of these disasters will be felt for years to come. Additionally, many of our corporate, government, and academic partners that make the MIC a successful competition from year to year were also greatly affected over this period. Due to this crisis, the deadline for the Maintenance Innovation Challenge (MIC)Read More
Sources Sought: Production of M109A6/A7 M284 Breech Firing Train Kit
Self Propelled Howitzer (SPHS) is currently coordinating with ARDEC-Benet Labs and the Aniston Army Depot (ANAD) to design and procure an M109 Breech Firing Train Kit. These components were released as a Kit through an ECP approved in July 2017. The Watervliet Arsenal (WVA) is the legacy government source for all M109 Breech Mechanism Assemblies and sustainment parts. SPHS is currently in discussions with WVA to determine their capability for providing these kits. Through these discussions,Read More
CompositesWorld: Highlights from 2017 Dept. of Defense Advanced Composite Maintainers meeting
From Composites World: Leaders from military and private industry present and discuss latest developments and future directions for composite structures design, maintenance, repair, and sustainability. The 2017 US Department of Defense (DoD) Advanced Composite Maintainers Technical Interchange Meeting (TIM) was held Aug 22-24 at the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The annual event focuses on the unique challenges of composite materials, repairs,Read More
2017 DoD Advanced Composite Maintainers TIM Recap
Thank you to all presenters, attendees, and tabletop exhibitors at this year’s DoD Advanced Composite Maintainers Technical Interchange Meeting. This year’s event was hosted by the U.S. Army, was presented by NCMS, and took place at The Landing at Hill Air Force Base, UT. From the event kickoff to the event-closing working group discussion, this meeting was informative, productive, AND fun. The positive feedback for speakers, the energetic buzz for the industry tabletop reception, and the soldRead More
NCMS Member Automated Precision Inc. supports Fermilab's use of Radian Laser Trackers in the Alignment of their Particle Accelerator
Fermilab uses Radian Laser Trackers in the Alignment of their Particle Accelerator Scientists at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) are working on research projects that aim to answer fundamental physics questions. How did the universe begin? What are dark matter and dark energy? What is the mass hierarchy of neutrinos? Are there other undiscovered particles beyond the currently known Standard Model of Particle Physics? To address these questions, Fermilab – the premierRead More
NTT: Cyber-attacks on manufacturers should be a "red flag" for CISOs
NCMS' Rebecca Taylor is quoted in V3's NTT: Cyber-attacks on manufacturers should be a "red flag" for CISOs: Cyber-attacks rose 24 per cent QoQ worldwide in Q2'17, with manufacturers a ‘key target'. NTT Security's Q2 Threat Intelligence Report, which showed the findings, is based on events identified across the company's global client base during the second quarter of the year. 34 per cent of all attacks that NTT tracked affected manufacturers and these companies appear in the top threeRead More
Present at These Coming JTEG Technology Forums
NCMS is seeking speakers to present its August and September JTEG Technology Forum on (respectively) Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) and automated painting and laser and automated painting removal. JTEG Technology Forums are venue for manufacturing leaders to share knowledge and discuss new advances and technology applications in their fields, especially as they apply to U.S. Armed Services maintenance needs. The forums give participants the opportunity to showcase their work and tout theirRead More
Speaking Opportunity: JTEG Technology Forum: Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI)
Experts in Non-Destructive Inspection are encouraged to present their thoughts and experience on this topic on Tuesday, August 29th, 2017 (1:00pm – 3:00pm EDT) during the monthly Joint Technology Exchange Group (JTEG) virtual Monthly Technology Forum. This speaking opportunity will put you front and center with the DoD maintenance community and lasts approximately 15 – 20 minutes. Presenters only need a computer and telephone to participate in this forum. Interested parties shouldRead More
Education and Workforce Experts Provide Recommendations for Aligning College Curricula and Other Workforce Strategies with Advanced Manufacturing Needs
Team of College & University Faculty Recommends Paths to Address Lightweighting Technology Competencies in Curricula and Workforce Strategies DETROIT – A new report from leading national higher education and workforce experts says colleges and universities should work with industry to modify their curricula to ensure students gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities they will need upon graduation for jobs that involve new lightweighting technologies, materials, and processes. TheRead More
FBI, NCMS Partner on Cyber Security Private Industry Notification
NCMS has partnered with the FBI to develop a Private Industry Notification (PIN) focused on current and future cyber security considerations for manufacturers especially those using smart manufacturing technologies. This notification is based on anticipatory analysis of emerging technology vulnerabilities and historical cyber intrusion activities. The PIN is available for limited release. For additional information and access, please contact NCMS Senior Vice President, StrategicRead More
Pendaran Offers Free Training to NCMS Members
What if there was a way to transform your employees into problem solving innovators in just 5 days? What if there was a Flight Simulator for Problem Solving? There is. It's called Pendaran and it is currently being used by the United States military. Now, it's available to you and your organization. Create the unstoppable team you deserve. Pendaran, A Transformative Experience NCMS member, Pendaran Inc., is offering each NCMS member organization the opportunity to send 3 participants toRead More
Reverse Engineering, 3D Scanning, or Prototyping Speaking Opportunity
Experts in Reverse engineering, 3D scanning, or prototyping are encouraged to present this coming Tuesday, June 27th, 2017 during the monthly Joint Technology Exchange Group (JTEG) virtual Monthly Technology Forum. This speaking opportunity will put you front and center with the DoD maintenance community and last approximately 15 - 20 minutes. Presenters only need a computer and telephone to participate in this forum. Interested parties should contact Debbie Lilu at debral@ncms.orgRead More
Call for Technology: Sustainment and Refurbishment of Demilitarized Warheads
The US Navy is pursuing an advanced lightweight torpedo capable of prosecuting and defeating challenging adversary submarine targets. To successfully meet this need, a warhead capable of addressing this challenge is required. Inadequate solutions to engage the emerging threats could lead to catastrophic results in the fight for at-sea superiority. A solution to this problem potentially exists within our Navy. The MK 122 Mod 0 warhead, the explosive component of the MK 50 Lightweight Torpedo,Read More
Call for Technology: Electronics Obsolescence and Requirements Sustainability for the Electronics Sub System
Due to obsolescence and the inability to procure the required electronics, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) is looking for a replacement to the Electronics Sub System (ESS) of the Fleet Exercise Section (FES) found in torpedoes. Obsolescence issues exist in the electronics section of the FES, causing significant impact in maintenance, supportability, and the time to identify and isolate failures. Complicating this issue is the lack of adequate card-level test set capabilities to assistRead More
Navitas Systems Announces First UL Recognized StarlifterTM Lithium Batteries for Both the Heavy Duty Class 1 and 2 Lift Truck Markets
Navitas Systems LLC (www.navitassys.com), a leading provider of heavy-duty lithium energy storage products for commercial, industrial and government/military customers, announced today that it has achieved the UL Recognition for its complete line-up of Starlifter 24 Volt, 36 Volt, and 48 Volt lithium forklift batteries for the Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Lift Truck categories. This marks the first time that UL has concurrently tested and certified heavy duty Class 1 and Class 2 lithiumRead More
F/A-18 GCU Fault Detection System Paying Off for FRCSW
From Navair News: http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.NAVAIRNewsStory&id=6561 A Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) investment one year ago is paying dividends in the command’s efforts to provide dependable, mission-ready components to the fleet. The Intermittent Fault Detection and Isolation System (IFDIS), purchased by FRCSW to troubleshoot the F/A-18 Hornet airframe’s Generator Converter Unit (GCU) chassis, recently resolved an issue with a GCU that hadRead More
Warner Robins AFB Technology Insertion Manager, Frank Zahiri Receives Prestigious Award
Frank Zahiri was selected as a winner of the Small Business Technology Council’s (SBTC) 2017 Champion of Small Business Technology Commercialization Award. Earlier this year, SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) companies were asked around the country to nominate PMs, PEOs, COs, and other government workers who, in their determination, went above and beyond their responsibilities in helping their company develop and receive commercialization and follow-on funding for their technology.Read More
NCMS Seeks Support for Sensors, Communications, and Electronics Consortium
NCMS is seeking letters of support for a new consortium. On behalf of the US Army – Aberdeen Proving Ground, NCMS is responding to a solicitation request for a proposal to organize and operate a consortium of sensors, communications, and electronics technology providers to be governed by a Prototype Other Transaction Agreement (pOTA). The technical areas to be addressed in the pOTA include: Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Cyberspace Operations ElectronicRead More
NCMS Member Anglicotech supports US Marine Corps through CTMA
Anglicotech, LLC is a Veteran-Owned Small Business that specializes in Logistics Information Technology, Cyber Security, Technical Training, and Sensor Technology. Anglicotech (AT) is part of an impressive partner network of Fortune 500 companies and small niche companies allowing for high quality, innovative, and tailored solutions. Anglicotech is a global company and has extensive experience in delivering responsive solutions to complex problems in the harshest of environments. Our teamRead More
NCMS sponsors DoD Workshop Tracks at RAPID + TCT
NCMS attended the 2017 RAPID + TCT event two weeks ago in Pittsburgh, PA. Over 5,000 attendees and 350 exhibitors networked and shared their technical knowledge and subject matter expertise. Mike McManus from AutoDesk kicked off the event; Phillipe Cochet-GE, Ric Fulop - Desktop Metal, and Terry Wohlers were keynotes; and Dr. Ramille Shah was a riveting keynote for the Medical Manufacturing Innovations Series. We attended in support of our AMMO and RARE teams, as well as our DoD, Army, Navy,Read More
Business Model Wargame II Recap
In partnership with the Additive Manufacturing for Maintenance Activities (AMMO) Working Group and the America Makes Maintenance and Sustainment Advisory Group, the Business Model Wargame II was successfully held on 16 – 17 May at the Lockheed Martin Global Vision Center in Crystal City, VA. Over 100 people attended the event, which included individuals from academia, industry, government, and non-profit organizations. The event was well received by all and deemed a success by the eventRead More
Project Announcement: Advanced Mobile Universal Electrical Tooling (AMUET) for Maintenance and Sustainment -- Phase III
The issue of how to develop a reliable, cost-effective solution for trouble-shooting electrical systems continues to plague the aircraft industry. A good portion of aircraft maintenance costs are attributed to finding anomalies associated with complex electrical systems. Human error also enters into the equation, particularly if and when traditional hand-held meters are used to isolate an electrical system issue. It could take hours to find and isolate a defective component, wire, or wireRead More
NCMS, BMW, UD-CCM Join Forces on Computing, Performance, Composite Material Study
Drivers could be the big winners in this new study released by NCMS, BMW, and the University of Delaware-Center for Composite Materials (UD-CCM). The team has completed research proving the accuracy of high-speed computing for modeling and simulation to predict the quality and effectiveness of a material that is both lightweight and safety-tested. This effort has demonstrated design, materials, manufacturing, and joining methods for continuous carbon fiber thermoplastics to meet automotive,Read More
Project Announcement: MRAP RESET Cable Reverse Engineering
Deteriorating and aging cables that need replacing are a growing concern, but simply amassing and storing varieties of cables – which might not even fulfill the specific requirements – does not solve the problem. Instead, reverse engineering specific cables provides a faster, better solution to building just what is needed for a specific project. The MRAP Product Manager (PM) is conducting a RESET and standardization of their vehicle fleet. Many items provided to the Army during initialRead More
SurClean Featured in Forbes
NCMS Member SurClean has a growing enterprise based on their mission to provide off-the-shelf laser surface preparation equipment. Following a firm foothold in the private sector, SurClean is developing more relationships with the DoD, specifically Air Force personnel, who have been heavily involved in laser de-paint applications. The SurClean product, focused on the laser beam delivery system, which is the workhorse of any laser system, has been found to correct deficiencies noted in theRead More
Sources Sought: Engine Life Management Assistance
On behalf of the USAF Propulsion Enterprise, NCMS is seeking sources with capabilities in the domain of life management program for engine fracture critical components to ensure engine flight safety. Life Management is a comprehensive and continuous effort using analytical modeling and empirical data to determine fatigue life limitations/fracture points of critical safety items under applicable mission use. Typically this effort is provided by the engine OEM via the Component ImprovementRead More
Boeing Executive Dr. Leo Christodoulou Joins NCMS 2017 Board of Directors
The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), the nation’s leader in collaborative technology development is pleased to announce the election of Dr. Leo Christodoulou, Boeing’s Enterprise Technology Strategy Leader, to the NCMS Board of Directors. Both NCMS and The Boeing Company are deeply committed to building a strong manufacturing infrastructure that is highly competitive, innovates and applies advanced technologies, and creates maximum value for all. As part of his formal role,Read More
Hexagon joins NCMS member base
While specific industries have their own unique challenges and motivations, productivity is central to manufacturing success across the board. Manufacturers must find the right balance of speed, efficiency, cost and quality for their product and ensure they remain productive at those levels. Sometimes there might be a payoff between factors – in the case of a luxury item where top quality is expected, you might choose to work more slowly and therefore push the cost up. For a cheaper mass-marketRead More
Strategy and Innovation; Enterprise Innovation Management Phase II
Today, everyone is continually seeking out methods on how to minimize risk and improve benefits by adopting newer and ever evolving technology. Public industries within production, maintenance, and sustainment realms know that innovation is a force multiplier critical for product development and business success, as many of the products and services you and I purchase are positively or negatively influenced by social and other electronic media. Small and large businesses alike know it will notRead More
Call for Technology: Spin Pit Testing of Jet Engine Fan Disk in TF33
An NCMS partner is looking for product solutions to fulfill a specific need. This Call for Technology process allows industry, academia, and other organizations the opportunity to meet the requested need. If your organization has a capability or product that can fill the requested call for technology, please complete the following form and thoroughly explain your proposed solution. All submissions will be reviewed and compiled for the NCMS team. Primary contacts will be notified of theRead More
Call for Technology: On-Wing Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) of Jet Engine Fan Disk
An NCMS partner is looking for product solutions to fulfill a specific need. This Call for Technology process allows industry, academia, and other organizations the opportunity to meet the requested need. If your organization has a capability or product that can fill the requested call for technology, please complete the following form and thoroughly explain your proposed solution. All submissions will be reviewed and compiled for the NCMS team. Primary contacts will be notified of theRead More
Sources Sought: Reverse Engineering for Air Force Components
On behalf of the Department of the Air Force/Air Force Materiel Command, NCMS is seeking sources with capabilities in the domain reverse engineering and reproduction of Air Force Components. Various components of the KC-135, F107, and T-38 family of aircraft are in need or upgrade or replacement. The Department of the Air Force/Air Force Materiel Command has requested information on companies capable of reverse engineering such components and providing Complete Technical Data Package andRead More
Project Announcement: Superior Energy Infrastructure Maintenance and Sustainment
The objective of this project is to develop superior energy infrastructure sustainment and maintenance practices in support of the Air Force (AF) mission. As installation infrastructure continues to degrade, installations become more vulnerable to system failures and service disruptions. Furthermore, concurrent advances in technology make interdiction of the infrastructure more feasible by non-DoD actors. Additionally, advances in commercially available energy infrastructure technology areRead More
Project Announcement: Process Development for Air Force Energy Infrastructure
The objective of this project is to develop a framework and process set to inform Air Force policy recommendations on energy infrastructure maintenance and sustainment practices to optimize mission support. As installation infrastructure continues to age and deteriorate, Air Force facilities become more vulnerable to system failures and service disruptions. Furthermore, concurrent advances in technology make interdiction of the infrastructure more feasible by non-DoD actors. Additionally,Read More
Project Announcement: Technical Studies, Analyses for Intermittent Fault Detection Isolation System (IFDIS) Implementation Across DoD
A potentially faulty electronic system in the field can compromise reliability and safety for the public. Electronic maintenance poses an ever-increasing challenge for the artisan today because of the limitations of current No Found Fault (NFF) equipment and training to the public. The reduced size of electronic chips, coupled with increases in their interactions and complexities of equipment, have led to difficulties in diagnosing system faults when these faults occur at the component levelRead More
Project Announcement: Supply Item Logistics Capability Initiative
Possessing the ability to quickly and accurately assess quality and quantities for parts and components from more than one supplier, while meeting specific maintenance or sustainment requirements is an issue that industry has yet to fully overcome. They also require an enterprise management solution that will continue to support daily business processes while offering an advantage at some level over their foreign competitors. Fulfilling customer expectations is the first rule of businessRead More
Project Announcement: Item Master Logistic Capability Initiative Phase II
As businesses across the country consistently seek out mitigation and look for solutions to their IT shortfalls, design for standardization, cataloging and effectively identifying parts for distribution while being able to quickly isolate defective parts is an issue that has plagued industry for decades and continues today. Fulfilling general public expectations is normally the first rule of business today, but companies that fail to adequately recognize substandard practices and systems thatRead More
Project Announcement: Supply Item Logistics Capability Initiative
Possessing the ability to quickly and accurately assess quality and quantities for parts and components from more than one supplier, while meeting specific maintenance or sustainment requirements is an issue that industry has yet to fully overcome. They also require an enterprise management solution that will continue to support daily business processes while offering an advantage at some level over their foreign competitors. Fulfilling customer expectations is the first rule of businessRead More
Project Announcement: Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) for Integrating Maintenance and Sustainment Program Requirements Through an Asset’s Lifecycle – Phase II
Like many commercial companies, the Air Force (AF) logistics and engineering communities lack a standardized and integrated method of accessing Product Lifecycle Information (PLI), managing configuration control of said PLI, synchronizing changes among PLI, and sharing the PLI with downstream consumers (e.g., maintenance, planning). This results in unplanned, manual intervention of limited manpower resources on activities to create, maintain, and update product information before use. TheRead More
Congratulations to Thermal Wave Imaging; Winners of the 2017 CTMA Technology Competition
Thermal Wave Imaging Wins 2017 CTMA Technology Competition The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) and the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Maintenance Policy and Programs (MPP) are pleased to announce Thermal Wave Imaging, Inc. (TWI) as the winner of the 2017 Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Activities (CTMA) Competition. TWI’s winning submission, the Large-Standoff Large-Area Thermography (LASLAT) system, submitted by Project Engineer Maria Beemer and TWIRead More
Relive Michigan Robotics Day Now
Thank you for attending the 2017 Michigan Robotics Day the nation’s premier event celebrating National Robotics Week co-hosted by the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) and the University of Michigan College of Engineering. Welcoming Remarks - Rebecca Taylor Senior Vice President, National Center for Manufacturing Sciences Michigan Robotics Day Introduction – Governor Rick Snyder Congressional Greeting – The Honorable Debbie Dingell, US House ofRead More
SurClean Joins NCMS Membership Base
SurClean is an advanced technology manufacturer located in Wixom, Michigan. SurClean focuses on leveraging laser ablation processes to remove surface coatings, debris and oxides in the most precise, safe, energy efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly way available today. SurClean competes with traditional methods of chemical, abrasive and blasting. SurClean’s proprietary laser beam delivery systems and patented sensor system are integrated with OEM laser sources. This laserRead More
Robotics, Autonomy, and Drones- OH MY! 2017 Michigan Robotics Day
The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), the nation’s leader in collaborative technology, is hosting the seventh annual Michigan Robotics Day tomorrow, April 11, at the North Campus Research Complex in Ann Arbor, with the University of Michigan (U-M) School of Engineering. Ford Motor Company is the exclusive sponsor of this event, which has grown into the nation’s premier event celebrating National Robotics Week. National Robotics Week was launched by the U.S. Congress toRead More
Thank you for attending the 2017 CTMA Annual Partners and Integrated Project Meeting
Thank You to all attendees, tabletop exhibitors, and technology competitors at this week’s CTMA Annual Partners and Integrated Project Meeting From the sold out tours on Monday, through keynotes, panels, presentation and networking receptions to the final announcement of the 2017 CTMA Tech Competition winner – it was informative, productive AND fun. Congratulations to Thermal Wave Imaging for surviving the Shark Tank and winning the Tech Competition! All materials presented at the event willRead More
NCMS releases the "Balancing Productivity and Security: The New Cybersecurity Challenge for Manufacturers" white paper
NCMS, SVP Rebecca Taylor, release Cyber Security White Paper Provides Cyber Security Awareness and Prevention Focus for Manufacturers Ann Arbor, MI – April 4, 2017 - The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) sees cyber security awareness and prevention in manufacturing as an emerging challenge and competitiveness issues that manufacturers are facing. In response, NCMS has released a new whitepaper, written by Senior Vice President Rebecca Taylor, “Balancing Productivity andRead More
Sources Sought for Military Grade Brackets
On behalf of a DoD Sustainment customer, NCMS is seeking sources with capabilities in the domain of the design and manufacture of military grade aluminum brackets and supports. The family of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles is undergoing RESET refurbishment and upgrading, and replacement brackets and supports are a major requirement. NCMS plans to determine qualified suppliers from which it can solicit products as need arises. The National Center for Manufacturing SciencesRead More
MARRS Provides Cost Savings, Improved Readiness for Army NG and Reserves
Over the past few decades, business globalization has imposed significant changes in the way companies plan and execute major events. Synchronization of resources often requires access to information housed in multiple database systems. Typically, legacy software systems required layered software approaches not designed around an open architecture capability. These systems were costly and time consuming to build, maintain, and upgrade. They lacked the ability to interact effectively acrossRead More
Müller-BBM VibroAkustik Systeme Features Innovative PAK System Platform
Müller-BBM VibroAkustik Systeme is part of the Müller-BBM group, an engineering company based near Munich, Germany, founded more than 50 years ago. The Müller-BBM group is an international company providing consulting services and sophisticated technical products, systems, and software at the highest level. Passionate about innovation and technology leadership, Müller-BBM VibroAkustik Systeme is continuously striving for excellence in acoustics and vibration. Our tight partnership withRead More
Announcing the New National Surface Technology Environmental Resource Center Just Launched
March 28, 2017 - The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF), and the AESF Foundation announce the launch of the Surface Technology Environmental Resource Center (STERC), previously known as the National Metal Finishing Resource Center (NMFRC). STERC is the result of a new partnership among these organizations and continued grant funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and provides a wealth of useful environmentalRead More
NCMS Welcomes New Member GasTOPS
GasTOPS Inc. (GTI) is a US majority owned small business headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama specializing in application of advanced products and services for machinery condition assessment and Condition Based Maintenance to improve operational effectiveness. GTI is partnered with GasTOPS LTD developer of innovative fluid sensing and analysis systems utilized on and in support of Pratt and Whitney (P&W) F119, F135 and Geared Turbo Fan (GTF) engines. Utilizing an established expertise ofRead More
NCMS Opportunity: Power and Signal Cable Reverse Engineering and Development of Improved Maintenance and Reduce PM MRAP Material Shortages
Deteriorating and aging cables that need replacing are a growing concern, but simply amassing and storing varieties of cables – which might not even fulfill the specific requirements – does not solve the problem. Instead, reverse engineering specific cables provides a faster, better solution to building just what is needed for a specific project. The MRAP Product Manager (PM) is conducting a RESET and standardization of their vehicle fleet. Many items provided to the Army during initialRead More
Automated Precision Inc. – Pioneering Advanced Dimensional Metrology Solutions
Automated Precision Inc. is a global company providing advanced dimensional metrology solutions for industry. Founded by Dr. Kam Lau in 1987, API has pioneered progressively higher standards of accuracy through its 30 years of operation by commercializing innovative hardware and software that offer advanced digital information to its customers. API supplies a comprehensive range of manual and automated dimensional inspection and 3D scanning products and software. Products include but notRead More
Getting to know Ridgetop Group, Inc.
Founded in 2000, Ridgetop Group, Inc. was established to develop advanced tools, IP libraries, and design services for mission-critical applications operating in harsh environments. Achieving functionality and reliability under adverse conditions — whether the stresses stem from extreme temperatures or intense radiation exposure — requires “best of class” solutions. These solutions may involve “radiation hardening” or shielding for microelectronics, and/or “prognostic-enabling” criticalRead More
LIFT, APLU, and NCMS Create Expert Educator Team to Align Higher Education Curricula with Manufacturing Workforce Needs
The initiative will engage educators and manufacturing scientists to ensure instruction aligns to industry needs for a skilled workforce. Lightweight Innovations For Tomorrow (LIFT), APLU, and the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) named six educators to its Expert Educator Team (EET). The EET will collaborate with LIFT to identify how colleges and universities can modify their curricula and related industry certifications to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities workersRead More
Funding Available for Environmental Technology Demonstrations
ALEXANDRIA, VA, January 5, 2017—The Department of Defense (DoD), through the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), supports the demonstration of technologies that address priority DoD environmental requirements. The goal of ESTCP is to promote the transfer of innovative technologies through demonstrations that collect the data needed for regulatory and DoD end-user acceptance. Projects conduct formal demonstrations at DoD facilities and sites in operational settingsRead More
Sources Sought for Military Grade Cables Directory
On behalf of a DoD Sustainment customer, NCMS is seeking sources with capabilities in the domain of the design and manufacture of military grade cables. The family of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles is undergoing RESET refurbishment and upgrading, and replacement cables are a major requirement. NCMS plans to develop a database of qualified suppliers from which it can solicit products as need arises. Please complete the following form to be considered for the directory. IfRead More
Troika Solutions plans for EFAC program deployment across the Department of Defense
Troika Solutions is conducting a study to recommend a deployment plan for the Expeditionary Fluid Analysis Capability (EFAC) program across the Department of Defense ground vehicle fleet. This study is the result of another positive NCMS sponsored project for the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). EFAC was designed to be a low cost, effective, deployable oil analysis device that helps maintain equipment availability and readiness while saving money and time for ground vehicle fleetRead More
Submission Opportunity: SOCOM Seeks Automotive Power Train Market Insights
USSOCOM is seeking submissions via a Request for Information (RFI) concerning hybrid, fuel cell, and electric powertrain systems for a four (4) passenger Light Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (LTATV), with a Vehicle Curb Weight (VCW) less than 2,500 lbs. The purpose of this RFI is to determine the types, suitability, and maturity of hybrid, fuel cell, and electric power trains available in the LTATV market place. Respondents should respond to all parts of this RFI. Respondents shall provideRead More
Industry Comments Requested by GAO
US Government Accountability Office's Readiness Assessment Guide has been made publicly available for comment: GAO TECHNOLOGY READINESS ASSESSMENT GUIDE: Best Practices for Evaluating the Readiness of Technology for Use in Acquisition Programs and Projects--Exposure Draft From August 11, 2016 - August 10, 2017, GAO is seeking input and feedback on this Exposure Draft from all interested parties. Please click on this link https://tell.gao.gov/traguide to provide us with comments onRead More
RIT named to lead new Manufacturing USA Institute on clean energy
NCMS congratulates the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) which was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy, as part of its Manufacturing USA initiative, to lead its new Reducing Embodied-Energy and Decreasing Emissions (REMADE) Institute—a national coalition of leading universities and companies that will forge new clean energy initiatives deemed critical in keeping U.S. manufacturing competitive. NCMS is proud to be one of 85 partners and willRead More
Wishing our NCMS Members, Partners, and Friends a very Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year!
A message from Rick Jarman, NCMS President: Thank all of you for making 2016 a very successful and exciting year. NCMS takes pride in leading cross-industry collaboration that creates technology innovation which forms the foundation of all our manufacturing programs. We look forward to working together to achieve even greater gains in these areas in the new year! In 2016, the Commercial Technology for Maintenance Activities (CTMA) Program managed by NCMS continued its significant growthRead More
One Network - Air Force, NCMS and Industry Collaborate on Next Generation Expeditionary Logistics Systems
Air Force, NCMS and Industry Collaborate on Next Generation Expeditionary Logistics Systems This December's Air Force Combat Ammunitions Center (AFCOMAC) training program at Beale Air Force Base, Sacramento, CA, is hosting a major National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) Program Event to prove out expeditionary logistics systems deployed under a unique partnership between the United States Air Force (USAF) and Industry. This is part of a 9-month Risk Reduction program sponsored byRead More
J Chadwick Co Optical Micrometer replaces "Fingernail Test" used by Army
J Chadwick Co’s Optical Micrometer is a portable inspection microscope for measuring the depth of scratches, corrosion pits, and flaws on critical components. Defect classification is a vital aspect of maintenance and NDT simply because repair-or-replace decisions have a profound effect on cost and safety. When surface damage is found, maintainers must determine if a component is within tolerance or must be replaced. The Optical Micrometer outperforms legacy methods including the pit gage andRead More
NCMS Member Navitas Systems Announces Award to Deploy StarlifterTM Lithium Forklift Batteries at Major Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Location
Press Release: Navitas Systems Announces Award to Deploy StarlifterTM Lithium Forklift Batteries at Major Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Location Contract with National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) Enables DLA’s Largest Worldwide Site to Assess Performance Versus Lead Acid Forklift Batteries in Demanding Material-Handling Environment Woodridge, IL –December 5, 2016 – Navitas Systems LLC (www.navitassys.com), a leading provider of energy-enabled system solutions, energyRead More
NCMS Members have strong showing at 2016 DoD Maintenance Symposium
The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) had an exhibit booth in support of the Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Activities (CTMA) program at the 2016 Department of Defense (DOD) Maintenance Symposium and Exhibition in Albuquerque, NM. In the booth, along with NCMS were six CTMA partners; Automated Precision Inc., Honeywell, One Network, Syntech, Navitas Systems, and Thermal Wave Imaging Inc. For bios about these NCMS member companies, abstracts are available below. ThroughRead More
NAVAIR/Thermal Wave Imaging, Inc. Win 2016 Maintenance Innovation Challenge
We would like to publically thank each of the 2016 MIC finalists for your outstanding performance during the entire MIC process. From participating in the coordination meetings, to providing professional briefing materials to quality and time standards, presenting to a packed house of roughly 400 maintainers, and representing not only your technology, but our community in the MIC booth in the exhibition hall. We also want to congratulate our 2016 MIC award winners: The winner of the 2016Read More
NCMS Speaks on Cybersecurity Panel at DMC
On November 29th, 2016, NCMS' SVP Rebecca Taylor will be joining the DMC panel discussion titled: Advanced Manufacturing Enterprise - Cybersecurity for Advanced Manufacturing. The DMC, being held in Denver, CO, is where top government and industry leaders and manufacturing subject matter experts get together to communicate and collaborate on policies, strategic direction, best practices, funding opportunities, and the latest innovations in support of defense manufacturingRead More
NCMS Technology Showcase Recap
The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), in partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD), sponsored a technology showcase at the Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD). The showcase took place on November 2nd and 3rd with Depot tours on the afternoon of November 2nd and showcase and demonstrations on the 3rd held in buildings 370 and 350. The LEAD Command Briefing and NCMS/CTMA program briefings are available for download here. Industry participants showcased their innovativeRead More
SME Installs 2017 Officers of its Board of Directors including NCMS' Taylor
SME Installs 2017 Officers of its Board of Directors, Elects 10 to College of Fellows Board of Directors will take office in January 2017 SME has recognized several professionals who will assume new leadership roles in the organization for 2017. These manufacturing professionals were recognized at the annual SME banquet on Nov. 12. Officers of SME are chosen by a nominating committee and selected by the SME Board of Directors. These directors are elected annually by the entire votingRead More
NCMS Welcomes Ridgetop Group
New NCMS member, Ridgetop Group, has found immediate benefits to their partnership through exposure at two recent NCMS Technology Showcases. Ridgetop Group has a strong background in developing and delivering innovative, electronic and electromechanical systems. Ridgetop offers a unique portfolio combination of integrated circuit IP, including sensors, software, engineering services, and products. For more than 16 years, Ridgetop has been providing complex on demand designRead More
Panther Global Technologies brings innovative production manufacturing to NCMS network
Welcome new NCMS member Panther Global Technology. Panther began in 1985 as Panther Machine, Inc., a small company specializing in the machining of powder metal components, primarily for the automotive industry. The company quickly earned a reputation for precision-made products, superb quality and reliable delivery. Today Panther GLobal Technology focuses on innovative production manufacturing of metal components and assemblies. Panther finds success by partnering with customers toRead More
Thermal Wave Imaging Joins NCMS
NCMS welcomes Thermal Wave Imaging to our membership network. Thermal Wave Imaging (TWI), established in 1992, is well-known as the leader in the development and manufacture of thermographic Non-Destructive Test and Quality Assurance solutions for the aerospace, power generation and automotive industries. TWI has played a key role in transitioning thermography from the laboratory to the “real world”, developing and implementing numerous advances that have become industry standards. ThermalRead More
Manufacturing Day 2016
MFG DAY addresses common misperceptions about manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show, in a coordinated effort, what manufacturing is — and what it isn’t. By working together during and after MFG DAY, manufacturers will begin to address the skilled labor shortage they face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry. Supported by a group ofRead More
Welcome to the new NCMS.org
Inventing, developing, commercializing and transitioning new technology is not simple, cheap or quick. At NCMS, we are committed to helping our member companies and partners be successful by creating an environment of collaboration where this can happen more efficiently with less risk and less cost. WELCOME TO THE NEW NCMS WEBSITE One way we support collaboration is by making information available and easy to find. We’ve gathered together NCMS relevant content and resources thatRead More
Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) Society Annual Meeting
CTMA will be sponsoring a CBM+ panel at the upcoming Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) Society Annual Meeting in Denver, CO, October 2-8, 2016. The NCMS panel will include representatives from industry, academia & government with a focus on CBM+. PHM leaders attended the recent CTMA Partners Meeting and found the topic and the best practices shared to be relevant to their industry. The following individuals will be presenting or speaking at the conference: LuminaryRead More
NCMS Featured In Noise Reduction Report
NCMS' Senior Vice President, Rebecca Taylor, is twice featured in Reducing Employee Noise Exposure in Manufacturing Best Practices, Innovative Techniques, and the Workplace of the Future, a workshop based report hosted by The National Academy of Engineering in Washington, D.C. The first report, 5.7 The FRITA14 Project: Reducing Noise and Improving Safety describes an innovative method for removing rivets from airplanes using an electro-discharge machining method. The project is called FRITARead More
Announcing New NCMS Partnership to Enhance the National Metal Finishing Resource Center
The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), the nation’s leader in collaborative technology development, is pleased announce it has entered into a new partnership with the National Association of Surface Finishing (NASF) to enhance the National Metal Finishing Resource Center (NMFRC). The new partnership will allow the NMFRC, a long standing on-line resource for environmental compliance assistance for metal finishers, to grow and provide new features and content. The new relationshipRead More
CTMA Project Announcement: Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) for Aircraft Sustainment
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) for Aircraft Sustainment and Support to Develop a Function Teamcenter 3D Configuration Manufacturing Environment at the Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) East Cherry Point – Phase IV Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) – Configuration Management of the F/A 18 Teamcenter/NX 3D Software Aircraft and Component 3D Models atFleet Readiness Center Southwest San Diego – Phase IV Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) for Aircraft Sustainment with Teamcenter 3D at FleetRead More
Robotics Technology Consortium Announces First Research Projects
The Robotics Technology Consortium, Inc. (RTC) today announced the winners of its first seven projects. These teams will undertake the research to develop innovative technologies that will add capabilities to the currently deployed unmanned ground vehicles and will enable future unmanned ground systems.Read More