Potential Cost Savings for Use of 3D Printing Combined With 3D Imaging and CPLM for Fleet Maintenance and Revitalization

Abstract

Initiatives to reduce the cost of ship maintenance have not yet realized the normal cost reduction learning curve improvements. One explanation is the lack of effective and efficient technologies. Two such recommended technologies are collaborative product lifecycle management (CPLM) and three-dimensional laser-scanning technology (3DLST). One quickly emerging new technology is additive manufacturing (AM). The research team collected data on AM use by the U.S. Navy in maintenance operations and used them to build two types of computer simulation models of ship maintenance and technology adoption. The models were used to investigate the impacts of CPLM and 3DLST and scaling up AM use on potential cost savings. Results were analyzed and compared with previous model results of the use of AM in U.S. Navy ship maintenance. Results support the adoption of AM in ship maintenance. 3DLST increases savings slightly over using AM alone or with CPLM. Cost savings when AM is used only to make prototypes are significant but limited. In contrast, savings are larger if AM is used to manufacture final parts. The primary implication for acquisition practice is the importance of scaling up the use of AM and other new technologies to capture potential savings.