NCDMM and AMNOW Program Participant, Tronix3D, Hosts U.S. Army Officials and Demonstrates Technology Capabilities of Newly Developed System
Blairsville, Pa. — December 3, 2020. The National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) announces that AMNOW Program participant, Tronix3D, hosted officials from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) last month for a successful technology demonstration. Representatives from NCDMM and LECS Energy LLC, an AMNOW Program partner, were also in attendance.
U.S. Army officials had the opportunity to view the implementation of LECS Energy’s Learning Integrated Manufacturing System (LIMS) and witnessed firsthand, the unique data being collected during the 3D printing process and its impact. The LIMS technology enables a secure digital connection from the supply chain using a high level of cryptographic hardware not normally deployed in manufacturing environments. It is also a critical edge device within the Advanced Manufacturing Intelligence Platform (AMIP). The AMIP is the cloud connection, which enables the rapid transfer of manufacturing process information between the U.S. Army and its suppliers to build confidence in additively manufactured critical parts.
During the demonstration, Tronix3D displayed real-time data collection capabilities from its operations software, IoT sensors, and embedded programmable nanoparticles. In addition, industry partner, Trumpf Additive, enabled access to real-time machine data directly from its 3D metal printers.
“As the lead of the AMNOW program, we are pleased with Tronix3D’s progress, as well as the outcome of the demonstration, and are excited about continuing our relationship,” said NCDMM Senior Project Engineer Ashley Totin. “This visit was significant for us to identify the future benefits of the data being collected by Tronix3D, including perpetual updates to cybersecurity protocols, process optimization, and overall operational efficiency.”
Tronix3D President Buck Helfferich added, “One of the goals Tronix3D has within the project is to improve data collection and transference during additive manufacturing to help maintain and control the 3D printing process. This monitoring is an important component of the manufacturing process to ensure a repeatable production process of high-quality parts.”
AMNOW is a program to support additive manufacturing technology insertion into the existing U.S. Army supply chain launched last year and led by NCDMM in partnership with a team of program partners. Structured as a multi-phase, multi-year contract, AMNOW is funded by the U.S. Army CCDC Aviation & Missile Center through the U.S. Army Manufacturing Science and Technology (MS&T) Division under the newly formed U.S. Army Futures Command.
For more information about NCDMM or the AMNOW Program, visit ncdmm.org.
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About NCDMM
NCDMM delivers innovative and collaborative manufacturing solutions that enhance our nation’s workforce and economic competitiveness. NCDMM has extensive knowledge and depth in defense manufacturing to continually innovate, improve, and advance manufacturing technologies and methodologies. Our experienced team specializes in identifying the needs, the players, the technologies, and processes to attain optimal solutions for our customers. We connect the dots. That’s the NCDMM methodology. NCDMM is a subsidiary of the Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group, Inc. (MTDG) and also manages America Makes and the V4 Institute. For additional information, visit the NCDMM at https://ncdmm.org/ and follow @NCDMMnews on Twitter.
About Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group, Inc.
The Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group, Inc. (MTDG) is committed to transforming the advanced manufacturing industrial base throughout the world by driving innovation and accelerating growth. It is the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit holding company of both the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) and Advanced Manufacturing International, Inc. (AMI), a new subsidiary and sister company to NCDMM. Founded in 2020, MTDG is headquartered in Clearwater, Fla. For more information, visit MTDG at https://mtdg.org/.
About Tronix3D
Tronix3D is greater Pittsburgh’s first high-volume 3D/additive contract manufacturer and innovation center headquartered in Westmoreland County Community College’s Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in Mt. Pleasant, Pa. Tronix3D provides concept-to-finished product design and development expertise and collaborates with companies in the aerospace, automotive, medical and electronics industries to deliver high-volume 3D printed end-use parts and rapid prototyping services. With our state-of-the-art 3D printing operation, we can produce hundreds of parts up to 10 times faster than existing 3D printing systems. For more information, visit tronix3d.com.
