Additive Manufacturing: Policy Needed

6 Pages Posted: 9 Apr 2016

See all articles by Jaime Bonnin Roca

Jaime Bonnin Roca

Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) - Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences

Parth Vaishnav

Carnegie Mellon University - Department of Engineering & Public Policy

Erica R.H. Fuchs

Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University

M. Granger Morgan

Carnegie Mellon University - Department of Engineering and Public Policy

Date Written: April 5, 2016

Abstract

The invention and adoption of new manufacturing technologies is arguably critical to maintaining national competitiveness in civil and military aviation. We identify two intertwined problems facing policymakers who seek to expedite adoption of metallic additive manufacturing (MAM) in aviation without compromising safety. First, there is as yet insufficient ability to reliably predict the mechanical properties of MAM-produced parts. Second, consensus standards do not yet exist to adequately control MAM processes for safety-critical components, or to economically and reliably test finished parts. In response, we recommend, first, that policymakers fund and steward the collection and dissemination of the data needed to advance MAM from art to science. Second, strategies must be developed to allow industry to learn by doing: for example, by applying MAM to general aviation. Third, we urge a flexible regulatory posture; perhaps by subjecting rules to sunset clauses that require a substantial rethink at a specified future time.

Keywords: additive manufacturing, technology policy, innovation, government, R&D

Suggested Citation

Bonnin Roca, Jaime and Vaishnav, Parth and Fuchs, Erica Renee and Morgan, M. Granger, Additive Manufacturing: Policy Needed (April 5, 2016). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2759594 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2759594

Jaime Bonnin Roca

Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) - Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences ( email )

Den Dolech 2
Eindhoven
Netherlands

Parth Vaishnav (Contact Author)

Carnegie Mellon University - Department of Engineering & Public Policy ( email )

Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890
United States

Erica Renee Fuchs

Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University ( email )

Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890
United States

M. Granger Morgan

Carnegie Mellon University - Department of Engineering and Public Policy ( email )

Baker Hall 129
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
United States

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