The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) is reinforcing its dedication to additive manufacturing (AM) with the announcement of a collaboration that goals to raised perceive the 3D printing software program panorama.
The MOD is working with analysis companion Plexal, alongside UK Authorities and the broader essential nationwide infrastructure trade, to find out how software program suppliers are enabling safe file storage, sharing and dealing with for safety-critical purposes. events are suggested to succeed in out to Plexal on to get entangled.
Earlier this yr, the MOD revealed its first superior manufacturing technique with additive manufacturing as its central focus. The doc emphasises how industrial 3D printing applied sciences can be utilized to spice up provide chain resilience by way of decentralised manufacturing, enhance pace of response, shorten lead instances, and fight half obsolescence.
For the MOD, the adoption of AM is stated to be targeted on addressing the rapid shortfalls within the provide of stock gadgets, with obsolescence recognized in a 2021 report because the primary provide concern. In accordance with a report commissioned utilizing Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) funding, the MOD stands to profit over £110 million internet over the subsequent 15 years (with a internet worth per yr thereafter of £35.5 million) if simply 15% of the defence stock was switched to additive.
Again in March, the MOD launched the second part of its AM accelerator programme, Mission TAMPA. The initiative was set as much as progress the usage of AM and enhance materials availability throughout defence. Final November, defence producer Babcock efficiently delivered the primary bundle of labor for Mission TAMPA. Elsewhere, Additive Manufacturing Options (AMS) started a mission in February with Rolls Royce and MOD to recycle retired Twister plane elements into new elements for the next-generation Tempest fighter jets.