The DoD is facing the significant challenge of maintaining an aging aircraft fleet while simultaneously navigating increasing restrictions on the chemicals traditionally used to maintain those assets. Rapid advancements in corrosion prevention technology will be required if the DoD is going to maintain the level of readiness needed by our warfighters.
This presentation will discuss how ES3 is utilizing a variety of polymer additive manufacturing technologies in the development and production of a mobile electroplating and anodizing system. In partnership with tech and sustainment divisions of the DoD, this novel technology aims to increase the speed and accuracy of plating and anodizing repairs, allowing field-level touch-up repairs at the point of need, while reducing operator exposure to hazardous materials.
Polymer AM enabled the progression from TRL 1 to TRL 9 in less than two years, but printing plastics is for more than just prototyping. The Dripless Repair System (DRS) is comprised of more than 75 final-production 3D printed components that must withstand the rigors of processing harsh chemicals in a military environment. With printed components ranging from pocket-sized to person-sized, from drop-proof ductility to carbon fiber rigidity, and geometries beyond the capability of the best subtractive methods, 3D printing is the right tool for the job. When strategically implemented to take advantage of their respective strengths, SLA, FDM, and LFAM can be used in conjunction to provide an optimal solution to the corrosion prevention needs of the DoD.
Learning Objectives:
Understand how polymer additive manufacturing can be used for production chemical processing components.
Evaluate potential applications for large format additive manufacturing beyond tooling and fixturing.
Identify opportunities to support the mission of the DoD through the use of low-barrier-to-entry additive manufacturing methods.
