NC State University’s Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics (CAMAL) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation have signed a memorandum of understanding for a strategic partnership on metal additive manufacturing, or metal 3D printing.
The partnership allows CAMAL and DLA Aviation to create proof of concept initiatives for metal additive manufacturing, design workforce development for DLA Aviation personnel and collaborate on research and innovation projects that focus on metal additive manufacturing and logistics.
CAMAL is an NC State interdisciplinary engineering center. Professors, researchers, students and industrial partners can advance material development, hybrid manufacturing and logistics and supply chain projects.
DLA Aviation is the aviation demand and supply chain manager for much of the U.S. Defense Department, providing aviation weapons systems and environmental logistics support to the defense aviation community and other governmental customers.
DLA Aviation supports more than 1,800 weapon systems. During the 2019 fiscal year, it had $5.3 billion in sales and conducted business with 3,700 suppliers as part of its support to its 13,034 customers. Its major product lines include engines and airframes, instrumentation and gauges, electrical hardware and industrial plant equipment services.
CAMAL is already familiar with the military’s needs. It’s had visits from the Army Research Office, the Army Futures Command and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command’s Combat Developments Division. CAMAL is also involved with the UNC Institute for Defense and Business’ Life Cycle Executive Leadership Program, which teaches military leaders and private sector personnel life cycle theories, practices and techniques.
Partnering with CAMAL at NC State will help DLA Aviation continue its logistics innovation to support the readiness of the U.S. military aviation systems.