Fonon Corporation’s pioneering Bulk-To-Shape (BTS) technology is poised to support the U.S. Department of Defense’s initiative to integrate additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping and end-use parts production. This innovative technology merges 3D metal printing with advanced laser techniques, enabling the reprocessing of raw or obsolete materials.
The DOD’s 2021 strategy on additive manufacturing (AM) outlines five key objectives to enhance 3D printing adoption: developing guidance for integrating AM into the defense industrial base, aligning AM efforts with external partners, advancing AM agility, expanding AM expertise, and securing AM workflows.
Fonon’s BTS technology aims to leverage these goals by optimizing additive manufacturing within the DOD and the broader defense supply chain. By cutting costs and reducing lead times for various parts and components, BTS systems streamline 3D metal printing processes, minimizing the financial burden of multiple defense production programs.
Utilizing 3D printing for research, prototype production, and complex geometries will greatly improve the operational efficiency of defense systems. This technology promises to reduce costs that often impact large-scale program planning and design, while accelerating technological advancements to meet warfighters’ needs swiftly and effectively.
Additive manufacturing has demonstrated significant benefits across industries, including the military, by saving labor, reducing part procurement, transportation, storage, and assembly costs, and minimizing downtime for replacement parts. AM allows for digital inventories and on-demand, on-site production of new components.
Investing in BTS technology offers military manufacturers the advantage of more sustainable operations. Faster development, shorter lead times, resource-efficient production, and high-reusability materials contribute to waste reduction and lower carbon footprints. This aligns with sustainable design, production, and distribution goals, promoting a circular economy and minimizing environmental impact.
Once fully commercialized, Fonon’s BTS systems will enable defense manufacturers to optimize part designs for enhanced performance and reliability. BTS is part of Fonon’s expanding portfolio of patented and licensed technologies, next-generation hardware, and proprietary metal processing IP. This range of specialized 3D metal printing systems represents a rapid path to production readiness.
For more information on Fonon’s transformative Bulk-To-Shape technology, visit Fonon Corporation.
