Concurrent Technologies, AFRL Work on Contract to Expand AM

Concurrent Technologies Corp. (CTC) has been selected by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop an additive manufacturing (AM) machine especially suited for department of defense (DoD) advanced weapon system part manufacturing. The $4.4 million contract, phase two of the project, aims to overcome the limitations of current AM equipment and enhance the production of longer parts for critical defense applications, the organizations report.

The current process of manufacturing large, advanced weapon system components involves joining multiple smaller AM parts, which introduces challenges such as strength issues, inconsistent mechanical properties, and limited design flexibility. By increasing the capabilities of AM for DoD applications, CTC seeks to eliminate these drawbacks and streamline the manufacturing process.

“CTC is committed to advancing manufacturing capabilities and supporting the defense industry's critical needs,” says Edward J. Sheehan, Jr., CTC president and CEO. “The technical work we are performing for this project includes elements of CTC’s full-service portfolio of AM capabilities including design, testing, post processing, machining and qualification.”

The current process of manufacturing large, advanced weapon system components involves joining multiple smaller AM parts, which introduces challenges such as strength issues, inconsistent mechanical properties, and limited design flexibility. By increasing the capabilities of AM for DoD applications, CTC seeks to eliminate these drawbacks and streamline the manufacturing process.

CTC is an independent, nonprofit, applied scientific research and development professional services organization. CTC collaborates with its technology transition affiliate, Enterprise Ventures Corp., to provide full lifecycle solutions through research, development, test, and evaluation work. The company offers the ability to fully design, develop, test, prototype and build, delivering solutions designed to safeguard national security, retain U.S. technological advantage, and ensure the longevity of American manufacturing. 

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.