A new initiative has been launched to train suppliers of the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) on additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. This training focuses on end-to-end laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processes.
Upon completion of this training, MIB suppliers will have honed their knowledge in AM software and become skilled at LPBF system operation. Upskilling these suppliers will help bridge the AM skills gap in the maritime industry.
MIB suppliers involved in this initiative will be able to better respond to the manufacturing needs of the U.S. Navy, enabling a more resilient maritime supply chain that can create new and replacement parts more quickly compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
The courses will be led by trainers who are certified by AM company EOS and ASTM, a manufacturing standards organization. Participants in the training will receive certifications in metal AM data preparation and metal machine operation, preparing MIB suppliers to effectively integrate AM into their operations.