WOLF & ASSOCIATES, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF191-004

Description

Improvements in the training and content delivery for additive manufacturing (AM) processes are essential to realize cost-effective, on-demand production within the Air Force. AM users seek to 3d print and produce large, functional parts, however, lack of training, knowledge and user experience often prohibits the continuous usage of 3D printing equipment. There is a steep learning curve in 3d printer operation and maintenance. The term “3d printerâ€Â is a misnomer as it implies that the equipment is “plug-n-playâ€Â like a desktop inkjet printer. When in reality, 3d printing is not plug-n-play and requires knowledge of modeling, part orientation, material selection, troubleshooting, operation and maintenance to effectively use this technology. The training for AM machinery is critical to usefulness of AM to the Air Force. Advances in the training and content delivery of AM processes can decrease part cost by increasing machine and user capabilities and reducing required capital investment. These facts are an exploitable set of circumstances that create an opportunity for a new AM training platform which will greatly increase usage of AM within the Air Force. Wolf and Associates, Inc. (DBA “Airwolf 3Dâ€Â) has the experience to develop this platform and to bring it to market.