Fonon Corporation’s cutting-edge Bulk-to-Shape (BTS) technology is set to revolutionize the defense industry by aligning with the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) strategy for additive manufacturing. This innovative technology merges 3D metal printing with laser technology to reprocess raw or obsolete materials, supporting the DoD’s goals of rapid prototyping and production of end-use parts.
The DoD’s 2021 strategy for additive manufacturing (AM) highlighted five key objectives: developing guidelines for integrating AM into the defense sector, coordinating with external partners, enhancing agile use of AM, expanding expertise and knowledge, and securing AM workflows.
Fonon’s BTS technology aims to enhance the DoD’s AM initiatives and the broader defense supply chain by cutting costs and lead times for various parts and components. This technology streamlines 3D metal printing processes and reduces funding requirements for multiple defense production programs.
Utilizing 3D printing for research, prototypes, and complex geometries will boost operational efficiency and cut costs that often impede large-scale program planning and design. The BTS technology will also expedite technological advancements, ensuring rapid responses to the needs of warfighters.
In several industries, including early-adopting military branches, AM has proven effective in reducing labor costs, part procurement, transportation, storage, and assembly needs. It also minimizes downtime by enabling on-demand, on-site production of replacement parts and converting physical inventories into digital ones.
Investing in technologies like BTS supports more sustainable manufacturing practices. Faster development, shorter lead times, reduced resource use, and high-reusability materials contribute to waste reduction and lower carbon footprints. AM fosters sustainable design and production, advancing a circular economy by prioritizing material reuse, and reducing environmental impact.
Once fully commercialized, Fonon’s BTS systems will enable defense manufacturers to refine part designs for better performance and reliability. BTS showcases Fonon’s expanding portfolio of advanced technologies, backed by patents, licenses, and proprietary intellectual property. This range of specialized 3D metal printing systems represents the quickest route to production readiness for industrial and manufacturing applications.
