The National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) and America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, announced the winners of the $6M Powder Alloy Development for Additive Manufacturing (PADAM) project funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

Additive manufacturing (AM) is of significant interest to the U.S. manufacturing base, particularly within the aerospace and defense sectors. AM technology enables shorter lead times and reduces part weight—providing benefits to both new acquisitions and legacy systems. As this sector matures, it’s imperative to establish data-based qualifications and performance standards for widespread use. 

The project is designed to further establish data-driven methods for applying the best attributes of novel AM metal materials. 

“We are embarking on an incredibly exciting era across the AM sector. Exploring the possibilities of AM material applications is a step in the right direction with considerable implications for the future of aerospace and defense,” states Brandon Ribic, Technology Director at America Makes. “The Institute is incredibly fortunate to have the support of the Under Secretary of Defense and AFRL and the engagement of the brightest minds in the country who will be collaborating to revolutionize this technology.”

The recipients of the (PADAM) project award are tasked with establishing repeatable and reproducible AM metal operations focused on operational, product, and installation metal material qualifications. Below is the list of award winners: 

Topic 1: High-Temperature Refractory Alloys

•    Project 1: Maturing AM Technology for C-103 in Hypersonics and Space (MATCHAS) 

•    Team Lead: Castheon 

•    Project Team: 3Degrees, Amaero, AP&C Advanced Powders & Coatings, Inc., ATI Specialty Alloys and Components, Benchmark Space Systems, Blue Origin, Firefly Aerospace, FormAlloy Technologies, Inc., Lockheed Martin, NASA John H. Glenn Research Center, NSL Analytical, Rolls-Royce Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems 

Topic 2: High-Temperature Nickel-Based Superalloys

•    Project 1: Accelerated Maturation of Advanced High-Performance Ni-Based Superalloy ATI-1700™ for Additively Manufactured Extreme Environment Components 

•    Team Lead: Boeing 

•    Project Team: ATI Specialty Metals, Quintus Technologies, RPM Innovations 

Project teams will report on their progress at the America Makes Technical Review and Exchange and other industry events during the execution phase of the program. 

For more information, visit https://www.americamakes.us/.