February 2025 Volume 7

AUTOMATION

Using ICME modeling and simulation, novel alloys are designed, tested, and evaluated in a virtual environment. This approach reduces the risk and expense of physical experi mentation. Only after demonstrating feasibility in a virtual setting are these materials transitioned to physical production at the Advanced Metallic Production and Processing (AMPP) center, recently established at LIFT. The AMPP center is uniquely equipped to handle a broad range of alloys, from light weight aluminum to reactive metals like lithium. It focuses on producing developmental volumes of powders, wires, and rods tailored to advanced manufacturing modalities such as powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, and friction stir welding. The AMPP center not only addresses material availability issues but also enables rapid prototyping and production. From Development to Qualification Even once a material has been physically produced, it must undergo rigorous testing and qualification. LIFT leverages advanced simulation tools to optimize machine parameters and streamline virtual part qualification processes. This approach doesn’t replace physical testing but enhances part quality, consistency, and testing effectiveness. By dramatically reducing the time and cost of qualification, LIFT is enabling faster transitions from mate rial concept to material deployment. Building a Resilient Supply Chain

For the metal AM industry, this capability unlocks new opportunities. Transitioning from a powder-based system to a wire based feedstock, for example, can enable innovative manufacturing processes and expand application spaces. Opening the door for larger parts produced with faster manufacturing techniques. This flexibility ensures that U.S. manufacturers can meet the unique demands of the DoD while fostering innovation across the broader industrial base. Securing the Future with Advanced Materials Advanced materials are more than a technical challenge—they are a stra tegic imperative for the United States. By addressing supply chain vulnerabilities and accelerating material development, we can enable companies to deliver innovative designs that meet the evolving needs of the DoD. The result is a stronger, more resil ient industrial base capable of protecting our warfighters and securing the nation’s technological edge. In an era where supply chain security and technological superiority are intertwined, public-private partnerships like LIFT play a pivotal role. By bridging the gap between research and commercialization, they ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of materials innovation—one alloy at a time.

LIFT’s emphasis on development volumes is a deliberate strategy to address gaps in the U.S. supply chain. By offering smaller, customized volumes of advanced materials, the AMPP center mitigates the risks and costs that discourage investment in new mate rial programs. Furthermore, the center’s ability to provide alternative material sources enhances supply chain redundancy and reduces dependency on single-threaded supply chains. The AMPP center offers low to medium material production volumes, accelerated mate rial delivery and availability, toll processing, contract manufacturing, domestic produc tion, and operation through a non-profit, and public-private partnership. The new Advanced Metallics Production and Processing Center (AMPP) at LIFT serves as a critical part of supporting domestic materials supply chains (Photo: LIFT)

Tony Bromwell Vice President, Advanced Development LIFT For more information about LIFT and its AMPP center, visit www.lift.technology.

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