Digital Manufacturing Integration for Supply Chains
NCMS Project #: 141013
Problem: Major drivers such as increased capabilities of Additive Manufacturing (AM) providers, demand for customizable need-specific designs, and availability of printing labs and technologies are causing businesses to reimagine their design and manufacturing methodologies. However, many businesses are unwilling (due to lack of knowledge or understanding), or unable (due to fiscal constraints), to make the investment required for implementing a digital manufacturing tool.
Benefit: Utilizing the U.S. Army’s design platform for NGCV-RCV will provide the commercial industry and government organizations with critical knowledge and a methodology to help successfully obtain an appropriate, cost effective digital enterprise strategy beneficial to end customers.
Solution/Approach: Integration of digital technologies throughout a product’s lifecycle paired with the design methodology of a Campfire which utilizes eight to twelve subject matter experts (SMEs) will reduce part implementation times and will also help ensure the correct products are getting to the hands of the user much faster in support the maintenance and sustainment activities. This project will focus on issues specific to Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) – Robotic Control Vehicle (RCV) as a test platform for implementation of digital manufacturing and integration.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Reduce design times and shorten lead times
- Increase productivity with streamlined processes
- Decrease overall manufacturing footprint
- Enhance warfighter readiness
DOD Participation:
- U.S. Army
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- U.S. Marine Corps
Industry Participation:
- Hackrod
- NCMS
Benefit Area(s):
- Cost savings
- Positive environmental impact
- Improved readiness
- Energy efficiency
Focus Area:
- Additive/advanced manufacturing