High Priority Open Topics for Additive Manufacturing

This project call reflects a focused, collaborative effort led by the America Makes Roadmap Advisory Group (RMAG) and its five working groups: Design, Process, Material, Value Chain, and AM Genome. These groups met over two months to generate and prioritize project topics, which were then shared with the Department of Defense’s Joint Additive Manufacturing Working Group (JAMWG), who then selected key focus areas based on national defense and industrial needs. A total of two awards are anticipated (one per topic area).

The project call consists of two topic areas, both concentrated on metals. Higher-level goals include developing and improving manufacturing technologies and processes to enable cost reduction, improving production speed, and enhancing industrial capability that will be responsive to warfighter needs.

The High Priority Open Topics for AM request for proposal (RFP) is separated into two topic areas:

• Topic 1 – AM Repairs for Sustainment: This topic seeks to advance AM repair and surface engineering capabilities through the development and demonstration of qualified techniques, materials, and technologies applicable to critical components across defense and industrial sectors. Emphasis will be placed on validating mechanical performance, process quality, and economic viability while engaging stakeholders to define qualification pathways, mitigate risks, and accelerate technology transition.
• Topic 2 – Beam Shaping: This topic focuses on developing consistent, certifiable printing processes that support future material qualification and standards development for high-performance applications. Technical approaches should include process parameter development, material characterization, and documentation of process control, while considering post-processing needs and real-world implementation challenges. Engagement with stakeholders will be essential to identify qualification requirements, mitigate risks, and demonstrate the value proposition of beam shaping in defense and industrial applications.

The proposed projects should apply to Technology Readiness Level 4-7 and Manufacturing Readiness Level 4-7 at the onset of the proposed project.

Timeline