Advanced manufacturing (AM) technology (to include additive - or 3D printing) has made tremendous strides towards becoming a robust alternative to traditional manufacturing processes as it relates to Air Force (AF) sustainment efforts. However, as tantalizingly close as we are towards that promised land, major steps remain for these dreams to become reality. One hurdle is the development of a comprehensive manufacturing taxonomy that incorporates all AM processes that allow for standardization to occur across U.S. manufacturing. (This is easier said than done.) Another is the ability to rapidly identify AM candidates as an alternative towards traditional manufacturing. Fortunately, these two critical roadblocks are intrinsically linked together and can be solved by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a manner that a comprehensive solution is possible. Solving these issues of advanced manufacturing will allow for (1) increased depot-level throughput as Air Logistics Complexes can look beyond organic capabilities towards AM alternatives; (2) make drastic strides towards reducing sourcing challenges; and (3) directly achieve goals set for in EO 13329 “Encouraging Innovation in Manufacturing”.
