Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Materials

Manufacturing has been a cornerstone of Washington state’s economy for decades. In 2021 the Washington State Legislature unanimously passed the Washington Building Economic Strength Through Manufacturing (BEST) act (HB 1170) sponsored by Rep. Boehnke (R-Kennewick) to retain and build upon Washington’s manufacturing sector. The law aims to double the manufacturing jobs in the state, the number of small businesses in manufacturing, and the number of women- and minority-owned manufacturing businesses over the next 10 years.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly growing manufacturing capability that could bolster the manufacturing sector in Washington State. AM is the creation of 3D objects one layer at a time, as opposed to cutting away material. Compared to traditional manufacturing, AM speeds the manufacturing process, creates less waste, reduces the amount of material needed, consumes less energy, and the ability to print on site cuts down on transportation costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Washington State industries and academic researchers are among AM’s early adopters and developmental leaders, and they are working on new materials and new applications of the technology while promoting interdisciplinary research and addressing technological issues at different institutions and organizations in the state.

AM capabilities can be expanded by using advanced materials, such as high-performance composites, metals, and ceramics that have specific properties for aerospace, energy, medical, and other applications. AM of advanced materials (AMoAM) can help create the next generation of materials and manufacturing possibilities. AMoAM has all the benefits of AM, while incorporating high-performance materials.

In 2018 WSAS convened a roundtable meeting of both academic and industry participants to discuss opportunities and challenges around AMoAM in the state. Building on those prior efforts, this TAG will initially explore the current landscape of AMoAM and identify key issues of importance to Washington State.