| Abstract Scope |
Qualifying additively manufactured components for defense applications remains one of the most significant barriers to scaling additive manufacturing (AM) across the Defense Organic Industrial Base (OIB), particularly for submarine production, sustainment, and fleet readiness. This presentation connects two urgent priorities: accelerating laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) qualification and expanding a trained, production-ready AM supplier base for the U.S. Navy’s maritime and submarine industrial base. Using EOS’ work with the U.S. Navy Maritime Industrial Base initiative as a central example, the presentation examines how AM is advancing from isolated demonstrations toward deployable industrial capability. It highlights the role of supplier development, workforce training, production discipline, and repeatable qualification methods in building a more resilient maritime manufacturing ecosystem.
The technical core of the presentation introduces a data-driven qualification framework that integrates in situ process-monitoring signals, including Optical Tomography, Melt Pool Monitoring, and Powder Bed imaging, to create a digital record of LPBF builds. By linking real-time process signatures to final material performance, AI-enabled models can support faster qualification, reduce reliance on destructive testing, and help manage the transition from single-laser to multi-laser production platforms. This approach aligns with broader defense qualification efforts, including America Makes’ Delta Qualification work, where EOS led a project focused on rapid qualification pathways for LPBF in critical applications. Together, these examples show how coordinated industry, government, and standards-based efforts can shorten qualification timelines, strengthen the AM supplier base, and accelerate the deployment of qualified parts for Navy and defense applications. |