Journal Published Online: 19 November 2020
Volume 4, Issue 3

Rapid Retooling for Emergency Response with Hybrid Manufacturing

CODEN: SSMSCY

Abstract

The global manufacturing industry has served as a keystone in supporting the weight of emergency response operations during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Development of core technologies necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including Personal Protective Equipment, infection testing kits, and vaccine research supplies, requires intensive manufacturing operations to support a population at scale. The production of these items is traditionally dependent on the tool and die industry, requiring imports of steel castings from overseas suppliers. The United States (U.S.) manufacturing industry was left isolated and unprepared as international borders closed overnight and normal supply chains were cut. This technical note provides a forward-looking approach at the benefits of hybrid manufacturing processes to provide rapid reconfiguration capabilities in the U.S. tool and die industry. A demonstration in rapid production of new tooling is provided to illustrate these benefits. Finally, emerging hybrid technologies are discussed in pursuit of more flexible manufacturing operations.

Author Information

Saleeby, Kyle
Energy and Transportation Science Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Knoxville, TN, USA
Feldhausen, Thomas
Energy and Transportation Science Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Knoxville, TN, USA
Love, Lonnie
Energy and Transportation Science Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Knoxville, TN, USA
Kurfess, Thomas
Energy and Transportation Science Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Knoxville, TN, USA
Pages: 5
Price: Free
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Details
Stock #: SSMS20200050
ISSN: 2520-6478
DOI: 10.1520/SSMS20200050