The American Foundry Society is proud to announce it has joined Honeywell Aerospace, along with other strategic partners, on a federally funded applied research project through America Makes. Launched on Oct. 2, 2023, this two-year initiative is part of the America Makes IMPACT program, aimed at enhancing manufacturing productivity through additive capabilities and techno-economic analysis. Other partners include AFS Corporate Members Chicago Magnesium Co., ExOne, and Hoosier Pattern, as well as Ohio Aluminum.
Titled "Transitioning Best Practices and Technology Improvements for 3D Printed Sand Molds/Cores for Sand Castings," the project focuses on exploring technology improvements for 3D printed sand molds and cores in the production of aluminum and magnesium castings for aerospace applications. It is funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Research and Engineering Manufacturing Technology Office, and the Air Force Research Laboratory.
AFS will bring in Corporate Member Product Development & Analysis LLC as a subcontractor to support industry engagement and technology transfer efforts. Working under the project management of the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining, or NCDMM, AFS will lead initiatives to support industry engagement, technology transfer, and characterization of the baseline performance of printed sand molds. This aims to broaden the use of additive manufacturing methods, providing a competitive casting supply chain for the U.S. Department of Defense.
For more information on this project, contact Travis Frush, AFS Technical Director of Metalcasting Services, at tfrush@afsinc.org.