Doctoral Dissertations

Abstract

"This research concerns developing an emerging manufacturing technology, additive manufacturing (AM), into a mature and flexible, cost-effective supply chain for aerospace production. The field of additive manufacturing is an approach to low volume manufacturing of plastic or metal parts using three dimensional Computer Aided Design data. As an emerging technology, AM's supply chain is not established compared to conventional aerospace manufacturing technologies, such as injection molding or composite manufacturing. Technical and business challenges limit the robustness of the additive manufacturing system for aerospace applications. The overall intent of this research is to: first, provide an introduction to two main polymer based AM methods, Fused Deposition Modeling and Selective Laser Sintering. Second, illustrate how AM benefits aerospace and third, develop a comprehensive framework that captures technical and non-technical issues surrounding the deployment of an emerging technology, such as AM, into a complex aerospace specific supply chain. Highlighted areas of research include both technical and business based challenges. In addition, the importance of machine flexibility is addressed. Areas of technical contribution include appropriate costing development, AM process and material development, part candidate screening and selection, and the establishment of a robust methodology that will be used as a model for aerospace emerging technology supply chain deployment for the future"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Cudney, Elizabeth A.
Slattery, Kevin P.

Committee Member(s)

Guardiola, Ivan
Gosavi, Abhijit
Grasman, Scott E. (Scott Erwin)
Liou, Frank W.

Department(s)

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Engineering Management

Sponsor(s)

Boeing Company

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

2010

Pagination

xxv, 285 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 273-284).

Rights

© 2010 David Michael Dietrich, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Three-dimensional printing
Manufacturing processes -- Automation
Production control -- Automation
Aerospace industries -- Costs

Thesis Number

T 10181

Print OCLC #

871000616

Electronic OCLC #

909541868

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