An Analysis of Additive Manufacturing Production Problems and Solutions

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine challenges and opportunities facing industry and the Department of Defense (DOD) in utilizing additive manufacturing (AM). This research focuses on the challenges and opportunities identified in a June 2015 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report pertaining to supply chain issues and to advance research methods used to obtain intellectual property and patent rights. Specifically, this research examines supply chain and intellectual property rights methods used in government and private industry to maximize AM capabilities for the benefit of the DOD. Research was conducted by analyzing current technology and processes used in both cradle-to-grave logistics of AM material and private sector approaches to obtaining intellectual property rights for continuous internal use. These methods are analyzed for compatibility with government operations. This report is the final result of our research. This report determined potential solutions the DOD can adopt to effectively resolve challenges faced in producing and obtaining intellectual property rights for DOD-required material