Additive Manufacturing
Idea to Reality In Minutes
Additive Manufacturing, combined with Computer Aided Design, offers powerful capability to rapidly turn an idea into a tangible product. Whether you are making parts to assist the mission, developing a demonstration prototype, or collaborating across the innovation ecosystem, Additive Manufacturing can help to get your project across the "proof-of-concept" stage.
The Instant Supply Chain
Consider the delay from when a need is identified to when a part arrives. That delay represents a gap in mission execution. Additive Manufacturing empowers tactical level troops to satisfy an "in-the-moment" need once that need is identified. The part could be a purpose-built track lock for a specific model of bomb disposal robot, a hard to find seal inside a fire truck water pump, a new method to secure equipment in the flight deck of an aircraft, or it could be a new tool invented by our own personnel.
The flexibility of Additive Manufacturing allows for instant, digital distribution of manufacturing across the globe, faster than our aircraft can fly.
Additive Manufacturing is the Swiss Army Knife of capabilities that changes the conversation from "How do we build this?" to "When do you need it?"
One Part of a Growing Ecosystem
As the wider Air Force embraces Additive Manufacturing, Phoenix Spark endeavors to empower the personnel of Travis AFB with entry level skills. We take individuals of all capabilities and, in a two day class, introduce the concepts of 3D Computer Aided Design and transitioning those 3D designs from ideas to reality on a 3D Printer.
Armed with entry level skills, the personnel at Travis AFB are free to use the Additive Manufacturing equipment at Phoenix Spark to create objects they need to make their mission better. Additionally, leveraging the innovation ecosystem through Spark connects Airmen to a variety of resources such as: Phoenix Forge, The Additive Manufacturing Program Office, Air Force Research Laboratory, and AFWERX.
Phoenix Forge
AFRL
AFWERX
Rapid Sustainment Office
How do I 3D print parts for my unit?
Click the "View the AM Knowledge Base" button above to find contact information, best practices, and existing contracts. Once you are ready, feel free to contact one of the team members there to get going!
Can you design and print my ideas?
Our model is "see, do, teach." If you have an idea, please stop by on Friday afternoons or reach out to one of the reps in our knowledge base. They can provide you with either 1-on-1 mentoring or access to a scheduled 3D printing training course to get you started!
How do I learn to 3D print?
Please stop by on Friday afternoons or reach out to one of the reps in our knowledge base. They can provide you with either 1-on-1 mentoring or access to a scheduled 3D printing training course to get you started!
I already know how to 3D print. Can I use your facilities?
Yes! However, please let us know when you will be coming by, either through the "Contact Us" link below, or by reaching out to an expert in the knowledge base. For safety considerations, our printers are typically only open during normal business hours.