DLA Columbus Test Center Reduces Fixture Production Time with 3D Printing
The DLA Weapons Support Product Test Center in Columbus, Ohio, has decreased testing fixture lead times to six hours using fused deposition modeling (FDM). This advancement is part of the Tools for Testing initiative aimed at enhancing the efficiency of military weapon system evaluations.
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The DLA Weapons Support Product Test Center in Columbus, Ohio, has achieved a significant reduction in testing fixture production times from several weeks to as little as six hours with the adoption of fused deposition modeling (FDM). This initiative, known as Tools for Testing, initiated the use of a Stratasys Fortus 450mc printer in September 2024, allowing the center to produce fixtures using thermoplastics instead of conventional materials like aluminum and acrylic.
By March 2027, the second phase of the initiative will introduce a metal 3D printer using powder bed fusion, enhancing capabilities for higher pressure testing. This transition enables the production of complex geometries and custom fixtures, improving the center's ability to meet stringent testing timelines.
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