February 2025 Volume 7

AUTOMATION

DRIVING ROBUSTNESS INTO THE DOMESTIC U.S. SUPPLY CHAIN One Material at a Time By Tony Bromwell

M aterials are foundational to nearly every technological advancement. From aerospace vehicles that traverse the stratosphere to 3D printed homes designed for energy efficiency, and from cutting-edge weaponry and protection systems safeguarding our warfighters, the development and deployment of advanced materials shape modern engineering. However, ensuring these materials are designed, produced, and sourced domestically has emerged as a significant challenge, particularly for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the broader industrial base supporting it. The Role of Advanced Materials in Modernization

to high entry costs and limited access to bespoke materials. This fragility is further exacerbated in the burgeoning metal additive manufacturing (AM) industry. Variability in material quality between suppliers creates depen dency, with manufacturers locked into single-threaded supply chains. For critical parts manufacturers and the DoD, this lack of redundancy introduces signifi cant risk, particularly in the event of supplier disruptions. The need for alter native domestic material sources—both virtual and physical—has never been more pressing. Addressing Challenges with Innovation As a nonprofit public-private partnership supported by the DoD, LIFT is tack ling these challenges head-on. Its stra tegic roadmap emphasizes accelerating the development of new alloy chemistries and bridging the gap between research and commercialization. At the core of this effort is the integration of Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) and advanced manufacturing techniques.

Advancements in materials science— whether reimagining existing materials or inventing novel ones—drive innova tion across industries, including casting and forging. High-performance materials enable vehicles to operate at unprecedented speeds and temperatures, allow for the creation of an energy-efficient infrastruc ture, and improve the lethality and surviv ability of defense systems. The DoD has prioritized Advanced Materials as one of its 14 Critical Technology Areas (CTA), emphasizing their potential to revolu tionize strength, weight efficiency, and thermal resilience. These capabilities are not just theoretical; they are essential for ensuring that warfighters can accomplish their missions and return home safely. Yet, designing and developing these mate rials is only part of the equation. The

LIFT, the National Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Innovation Institute, is a nonprofit, public-private partnership based in Detroit (Photo: LIFT)

greater challenge lies in producing them at scale, reliably and afford ably, within a domestic supply chain. This imperative stems from the necessity for reducing reliance on foreign sources, minimizing supply chain vulnerabilities, and enhancing national security. Supply Chain Fragility in the U.S. A critical bottleneck in material development is the time-consuming and expensive nature of traditional methods. For commercial suppliers, these efforts often involve significant financial and programmatic risks, deterring investment. Additionally, the volumes required for development programs often fall outside the commer cial norm, leading to exorbitant lead times or forcing companies to over-purchase material to meet supplier minimums. These inef ficiencies create a cyclical challenge where innovation stalls due

The LIFT High Bay in Detroit is a showcase and sandbox highlighting the future of advanced materials and manufacturing processes for industry and the Department of Defense. (Photo: LIFT)

FIA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2025 40