As a founding member of America Makes (since 2012), industrial 3D printer OEM Optomec has upgraded its membership and become a Platinum level member. According to Optomec, the new role at America Makes (previously the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute or NAMII), which includes a seat on the organization’s governance board, is set to increase Optomec’s participation in the institute and build on the three America Makes contracts the company has won in the past year.
As a result, Optomec is currently leading projects focused on the use of additive manufacturing techniques for the fabrication and repair of metal components. These include a project with Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control, MachMotion, TechSolve, and the U.S. Army Benet Laboratories. The three current contracts are focused on: developing a modular, cost effective LENS Print Engine that can be integrated with existing CNC machine tools; the development of a process parameter knowledgebase for defect-free 3D printing of metals using the LENS process; and the “Re-Born in the USA” project, a $4 million initiative involving 23 partners focused on advancing additive manufacturing technology for the repair of aerospace metal components for the US Air Force.
“Having seen first hand the strength of its partnership model, we are pleased to take an even more active role with America Makes. The projects we are directly involved in are all showing demonstrable progress and will bring real value to manufacturers for the fabrication and repair of metal components and parts. We are looking forward to applying our industry expertise and experience to a broader role with the organization through our Platinum level and expansive participation as we look for new ways to leverage the potential of additive manufacturing,” said Dr. Richard Grylls, LENS General Manager at Optomec.
