This article is an excerpt from the Boston Engineering 2024 Technology Outlook. For a copy of this article and the complete publication, visit the 2024 Technology Outlook digital download page.
Additive Manufacturing (AM) has the capability to result in major impacts to the way parts are obtained.
The motion drive systems for wind blades and large reactor chambers for nuclear energy are two great examples of parts that currently cannot be produced in the US. This means that such parts must be produced overseas and transported to the US which introduces incredible risks to the DoD supply chain.
Foremost in that is the construction of large components; today’s single head AM systems do not have the build rates required to achieve output needed. By utilizing multiple heads, Artificial
Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and autonomy, build rates can be increased to achieve the scale needed to build the large parts required by manufacturers in the United States and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Boston Engineering is teaming with other Subject Matter Experts to leverage AM that will leapfrog existing technology and workforce constraints to re-shore large-scale manufacturing.
Working with industrial and academic partners, Boston Engineering is utilizing AI, ML, and autonomy to develop Metal Additive Manufacturing (MAM) systems. These will produce large metal parts for operation onboard naval ships and submarines to be used in critical expeditionary operations.
Embrace the future trends that are shaping a new era of engineering excellence.
The 2024 Technology Outlook from Boston Engineering offers an insightful glimpse into trends and innovations on the horizon. Spanning artificial intelligence, robotics, additive manufacturing, and more, this collection of articles provides key takeaways for those looking to stay ahead of the technology curve.
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When fully realized, the technology innovations will include:
- A Laser Directed Energy Deposition (LDED) system capable of producing components at up to 16 kg/hr for low-carbon steel
- A demonstration system that utilizes AI/ML and autonomy to produce complex geometries, large asymmetric builds, and large heat sinks to address specific challenges of residual stress and thermal management for prolonged (multi-month) builds
- A closed loop feedback system demonstrated to eliminate or recover from relevant in-process defects
These three key elements will ensure that upon completion of this effort a ~10 ton near net part could be fabricated using this technology. Imagine the impact this new system will have on large-scale part production, and the mitigation of risks currently in the DoD supply chain.
Download this article and the complete publication by visiting the 2024 Technology Outlook digital download page today.
As the engineering landscape continues to evolve, Boston Engineering is committed to proactively integrating cutting-edge technologies and methodologies into the solutions it delivers, ensuring that clients stay at the forefront of industry trends and maintain a competitive edge in 2024 and beyond.
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Our expertise includes industrial design and product redesign, sensors and control systems, robotics technical innovation, and digital software solutions.
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