EOS Awarded Laser Powder Bed Fusion Training Contract by US Navy to Grow Maritime AM Sector
The U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Program, in partnership with BlueForge Alliance, has funded the EOS Additive Minds Academy to train the MIB suppliers in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process chain to strengthen the industrial 3D printing workforce.
EOS, a leading supplier of additive manufacturing (AM) solutions for industrial 3D printing, announces a contract to support the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base initiative to provide end-to-end LPBF (laser powder bed fusion) process training for MIB suppliers. The initiative aims to strengthen AM efficiency and bridge the maritime AM education and workforce gap.
The training program will take place at the Additive Minds Academy Center in Novi, MI, and combines online coursework with hands-on experience to equip MIB suppliers with critical skills in AM software, LPBF system operation, and ASTM machine certifications free of charge.
"This program helps the U.S. Navy offer suppliers skilled personnel trained in new technologies like laser powder bed fusion, which will enable us to quickly fill critical component gaps that our traditional manufacturing base can't provide in a timely fashion," according to Dr. Justin Rettaliata, MIB Program Additive Manufacturing Lead. "Through initiatives like this, the MIB Program is advancing more agile and responsive manufacturing technologies in the U.S. Navy's supply chain to quickly produce parts."
The initiative aims to strengthen AM efficiency and bridge the maritime AM education and workforce development gap. All courses will be led by EOS and ASTM certified Additive Minds Academy trainers, and upon completion, participants will earn industry-recognized certifications for metal AM data preparation and metal machine operation, certified by ASTM.
The EOS Additive Minds Academy training courses include:
- Data Preparation Metal Certification
- Metal LPBF System Operator Training
- ASTM Machine Operator Certification
"In recent years, the imperative for faster, more adaptable manufacturing processes to meet the U.S. Navy’s production objectives has become increasingly evident," says Fabian Alefeld, Director of Business Development and Additive Minds Academy at EOS. "Bridging this manufacturing gap demands innovative thinking, advanced technologies, and — most critically, a skilled workforce equipped to leverage these new tools effectively. We are honored to provide the training and education essential for the MIB and the U.S. Navy to successfully integrate additive manufacturing into their broader operational framework."
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