DETROIT – LIFT, the national advanced materials manufacturing innovation institute, operated by the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute, announced it has launched three initiatives as part of the Advanced Materials Challenge.
1. Purpose of the LIFT Advanced Materials Challenge
The Advanced Materials Challenge was designed for industry and academia across the nation. Its goal is to accelerate the delivery of innovative material solutions for DoW applications. To support this effort, LIFT is leveraging its Advanced Metallics Production & Processing (AMPP) center. Opened earlier this year, the center helps address critical gaps in advanced materials capabilities across the U.S. industrial base.
2. AMPP Center Strengthens Advanced Materials Manufacturing
Located at LIFT’s Detroit headquarters and advanced manufacturing facility, the new center delivers high quality metal powder, wire and rod feedstocks across all alloy classes at a development scale to support the diverse breadth of additive manufacturing processes on the market today, curated by LIFT’s team of materials scientists.
3. Projects Supporting the LIFT Advanced Materials Challenge
The three projects are:
1. Aluminum Additive Manufacturing with Elementum 3D
Enabling robust cross-platform printing of structural high-strength aluminums and aluminum matrix composites with Elementum 3D. The project will develop and test a new approach to produce Elementum 3D’s Reactive Additive Manufacturing (RAM) aluminum AM feedstocks to enhance print quality and uniformity across machine makes. Elementum 3D will design RAM alloy formulations for printing using Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) systems and perform analysis of the samples printed. LIFT will produce the novel RAM powder in its AMPP center’s gas atomization system and conduct AM parameter development.
2. Wire-Based Ti-Cu-X Alloy Development with Raytheon
Development of Ti-Cu-X Alloy with Refined Microstructure and Enhance Mechanical Properties Using Wire-Based Additive Manufacturing Processes with Raytheon Technologies Research Center (RTRC). The project is aimed at developing a novel Ti-Cu-X alloy specifically tailored for wire-based additive manufacturing (AM) processes. As a result, the alloy is designed to achieve a refined microstructure that enhances mechanical properties suitable for replacing aluminum stator compressor components, replacing Titanium alloys for engine rotors, and repairing titanium components in aerospace applications. LIFT will optimize the use of a Plasma Multi-Wire Additive Manufacturing (PMWAAM) process through the use of a multi wire feeder and directed energy for the in-situ alloying processes. LIFT also plans to leverage the Field-Assisted Sintering Technology (FAST) process for the production of Ti-Cu-X alloys.
3. AI-Based Materials Qualification with EOS
Virtual Qualification and Certification of an Advanced Structural Material Leveraging (ML) Advanced Data-driven Approaches with EOS North America. The project aims to revolutionize the qualification and certification of advanced materials of interest to DoW by leveraging AI and ML. By utilizing data-driven qualification and certification with Texas A&M, creating a user-friendly interface through advancements created by 3Degrees, and with the demonstration of PBFM builds by LIFT, it seeks to replace the traditional qualification framework with efficient, data-driven approaches, reducing costs, lengthy post-build testing, and improving material and process readiness for overall efficient and faster qualification for DoW-specific applications.
4. Accelerating Defense Materials Research and Qualification
“As a technology accelerator, it is incumbent upon us to work with our network of members across the country to drive innovation in materials, processes, and systems faster,” said Noel Mack, Chief Technology Officer, LIFT. “We are thrilled to have had so many proposals for really innovative projects and are excited to have these three launched.”
Last year, LIFT partnered with the Department of Defense to issue an open project call. Specifically, the call invited proposals to identify advanced materials of interest to the DoD and design them using decision-aid and automation tools. Finally, the selected projects focus on prototyping both virtual and physical material systems and demonstrating their use in defense components or systems.Read more cyber defense coverage on MiTechNews
Final Thought
LIFT launches three programs for the Military’s Advanced Materials Challenge highlights a strong step forward in accelerating innovation across advanced manufacturing. From additive manufacturing to AI-driven qualification, these initiatives directly address critical gaps in defense and industrial materials. Overall, the programs reinforce LIFT’s role as a national technology accelerator. More importantly, they set the stage for faster, smarter, and more cost-effective materials development in the U.S.
About LIFT and Its Advanced Manufacturing Mission
LIFT, operated by the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute, is the Detroit-based, public-private partnership between the Department of War, industry, and academia, committed to the development and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies and implementing talent development initiatives to better prepare the workforce today and in the future. LIFT funded in part by the Department of War with management through the Office of Naval Research.
Visit https://lift.technology/or follow on LinkedIn at LIFT or on Twitter @NewsFromLIFT to learn more.
FAQS:
1. Why is the LIFT Advanced Materials challenge important for defense applications?
The challenge improves material readiness, reduces qualification time and cost, and accelerates deployment of advanced materials for Department of Defense systems.
2. What role does the AMPP Center play in the challenge?
LIFT’s Advanced Metallics Production & Processing (AMPP) Center supports the development of high-quality metal feedstocks for additive manufacturing across multiple alloy classes.
3. Who are LIFT’s partners in these programs?
Key partners include Elementum 3D, Raytheon Technologies Research Center, EOS North America, Texas A&M, and 3Degrees.
4. How does the LIFT Advanced Materials Challenge support the military?
The LIFT advanced materials challenge supports the military by accelerating the development, qualification, and deployment of advanced materials for defense systems. It helps reduce material readiness timelines, improve performance, and strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base through innovation in manufacturing technologies.
