Are you curious about how the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) uses additive manufacturing (AM)? The military’s innovative approach has a 30-year roadmap, which was authored by this week’s guest. 

In this special episode, host Fabian Alefeld speaks with LJ Holmes. LJ has one of the most diverse jobs in the AM industry. He is the Executive Director of Advanced Manufacturing Research and Engineering at Harrisburg University. His rich background in AM from its historical roots in the DoD to current uses and future applications. LJ describes his AM journey from the Army Research Center to Harrisburg University, how AM has evolved within the defense sector, and some undocumented stories of early use cases and current applications within the DoD. 

Comments about the show or wish to share your AM journey? Contact us at [email protected]. The Additive Snack Podcast is brought to you by EOS. 

Key Takeaways: 

[1:50] LJ shares his journey to AM and the integration of AM at the Army Research Center and the Department of Defense. 

[11:47] Authoring the 30-year Additive Manufacturing Roadmap was the last project LJ completed for the Army Research Center.  

[17:15] Harrisburg University of Science and Technology offers students an advanced manufacturing curriculum and STEM-focused education.  

[26:35] Additively manufactured components may or may not have been used in military vehicles as early as the 2000s. 

[29:41] Additive applications for future civilian and military use. 

[42:17] During AMUG 2024, LJ will introduce a 50-foot-tall friction stir hybrid additive machine. 

Resource Link: 

EOS 

LJ Holmes on LinkedIn 

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology 

JDAMMIT.com 

ASTROA.org — AM Forward focus