This presentation outlines the successes and challenges of the collaboration between the University of Tennessee, Spee3d, and the Tennessee National Guard in fielding additive manufacturing systems across multiple environments.
Overview
Constrained or contested logistical supply chains have led global defense organizations to re-evaluate how battle-winning equipment is maintained and repaired. This call to action has led to many research organizations looking towards advanced manufacturing and 3D printing technology as potential ways of diversifying supply chains and bringing flexibility.
The University of Tennessee has taken a different approach to this research by partnering with the Tennessee National Guard. Supported by engineering researchers and technical experts, this research has a more warfighter-led focus that lends itself to a better understanding of where and how advanced manufacturing fits within defense.
This presentation gives an overview from the very early stages of this process up to recent maritime deployments in the Pacific during RIMPAC 26, highlighting successes, pitfalls, and lessons learned during the journey.
Key Takeaways
- Explore why warfighters are capable of operating these systems.
- Learn how these systems can solve real world problems.
- Discover why these systems can be forward deployed to austere environments.
Speakers
Darren Kitching is a retired British Army mechanical engineer who moved into the advanced manufacturing industry upon retirement. As a senior application engineer, he has spent the last three years working with different defense organizations globally, training and mentoring warfighters in advanced manufacturing.
