Integrating Emerging Manufacturing Technologies into an Aerospace Supply Chain

摘要

This research is aligned with developing an emerging manufacturing technology, additive manufacturing (AM), into a mature, and flexible, cost-effective supply chain for aerospace production. As an emerging technology, AM's supply chain is immature compared to conventional manufacturing technologies. Technical and business challenges limit the robustness of the AM supply chain system. The overall objective of the research is to develop a comprehensive framework that captures technical and non-technical issues surrounding the deployment of AM into a complex aerospace specific supply chain. This research offers an introduction that highlights business challenges including technical workforce development, demand based collaboration between original equipment aerospace manufacturers and their respective first tier suppliers, and the importance of machine flexibility. Areas of technical contribution include appropriate costing development, part candidate application selection, and establishment of a robust methodology that will be used as a model for aerospace emerging technology supply chain deployment for future manufacturing technologies and products.