Boeing to join advanced additive manufacturing program for aerospace industry

Boeing Co and Northrop signed up for a White House-backed program. The goal of the program is to help promote the adoption of 3D printing and other advanced technologies among U.S. suppliers presented by medium- and small-sized businesses.

The Additive Manufacturing Forward program was launched by President Biden in May. It aims at encouraging suppliers to get on board with additive manufacturing.

This technology, which is based on 3D printing, makes it possible to create complex shapes  by adding layer-upon-layer of plastic or metal powders. The Biden administration considers it as an innovative technology that will allow U.S. companies to actively grow and gain  job-creating power. 

The Additive Manufacturing Forward (AM Forward) is a new initiative of the nonprofit Applied Science & Technology Research Organization of America (ASTRO America).

"To reinvent supply chains in a new economic order, it's not enough to develop port infrastructure. It’s also of a high importance to produce parts - right here in U.S. small businesses," said ASTRO America's Chief Executive Officer Neal Orringer.

As reported by the manufacturers, they are planning on transferring 3D-printed parts from smaller local suppliers into their production. In addition, they strive to train suppliers’ employees if they lack the knowledge needed to use new technologies, provide technical assistance, and get involved in standards development.

The giants are seeking to increase the number of suppliers presented by medium- and small-sized businesses that compete for quote packages sent out for goods. Boeing also announced intent to boost capacity of small- and medium-sized suppliers by 30 percent and provide them with technical guidance to meet qualification requirements.

"We are sure that the capacity of a large number of suppliers that specialize in manufacturing aerospace components and post-processing have a great impact on the competitiveness of the U.S. industrial base, including our company," said Dr. Melissa Orme, Vice President of Boeing Additive Manufacturing. 

Advanced technologies can make it possible for suppliers to spend less time on production and achieve material cost reduction by 90 percent, as well as cut back on energy consumption by 50 percent. 

Administration officials claim that not enough U.S. manufacturers bring additive manufacturing in-house. 

White House may also push the national program in the automotive or semiconductor industry, as reported by Reuters, citing a senior U.S. administration official.