AFRL, Central State University creating partnerships in additive manufacturing

  • Published
  • By AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE --  The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Central State University (CSU) are teaming to bring unique, state-of-the-art additive manufacturing capabilities to the Dayton region.

On March 5, 2015, CSU's Manufacturing Engineering Department hosted its first Additive Manufacturing Workshop on their campus.  Mr. Stephen Szaruga, Chief Engineer of the Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies Division of the AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, served as the invited speaker. 

Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3-D printing, is an evolving technology with potential applications for Air Force systems.  With the help of a state grant awarded to CSU, AFRL and Universal Technology Corporation (UTC) have teamed with the university to develop a strategy for CSU to obtain a state-of-the-art Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) additive manufacturing machine.  By early 2016, CSU is poised to have the Dayton region's only metal powder bed additive manufacturing research and development capability.  This equipment will help posture the region for future research, education, and workforce development in this new cutting-edge technology.

The Additive Manufacturing Workshop evolved as part of CSU's relationship with AFRL and the Minority Leaders - Research Collaboration Program (ML-RCP), which brings together university engineers, scientists, and other technical professionals to collaboratively meet challenges confronting both the AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate and Sensors Directorate.

Ms. DeAnna Brown, a 2003 graduate of CSU, briefly described the ML-RCP program to the audience of local Air Force, academic, and corporate attendees.  Mr. Szaruga then presented an "Introduction to Additive Manufacturing."  He provided an overview of the technology, discussing current Air Force efforts, as well as advantages and limitations. 

Mr. Szaruga stated that while some minor aircraft components are already being made using 3-D printing, significant hurdles still need to be addressed before broader application of additive manufacturing will be seen in Air Force weapons systems.  However, he says the technology offers the potential to replace more complex components.

Dr. Adedeji B. Badiru, the Air Force Institute of Technology's Dean of the Graduate School of Engineering and Management, concluded the workshop, informing the crowd that the Air Force is aggressively pursuing advanced technologies that will provide the warfighter with enhanced capabilities.  He also stated that efforts like those at CSU would open the door to a broader range of potential graduate school candidates, some of whom might choose to attend the AFIT. 

For more information on the AFRL ML-RCP program, contact Ms. Asheley Blackford at (937) 255-7107 or at asheley.blackford@us.af.mil.