The Naval Innovation Advisory Council, the innovation arm of the United States Navy, is going to conduct a number of experiments to explore blockchain potential in Additive Manufacturing (AM), commonly known as ‘3-D printing’.

In an online post, LCDR Jon McCarter, a member of the FY17 SECNAV NIAC, said that the technology underpinning the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, could revolutionize Naval Additive Manufacturing, finance, and logistics writ large, among others. He said:

“When looking for a test bed for this [blockchain] technology, it quickly became clear that Naval Additive Manufacturing was a perfect match. The ability to secure and securely share data throughout the manufacturing process (from design, prototyping, testing, production, and ultimately disposal) is critical to Additive Manufacturing and will form the foundation for future advanced manufacturing initiatives.”

The department states that AM offers ‘extraordinary agility’ over traditional manufacturing, procurement, and acquisition methods, leading the DON (Department of the Navy) to radically enhance fleet life cycle logistics, increase the operational availability of our naval forces, and reduce total ownership costs. Earlier this year, the DON hosted 3-D Print-a-thon.

McCarter said that the NIAC’s experiments will aim to share data securely between AM sites using blockchain technology. In addition, it will also prepare a report on the proof-of-concept in September.

“This summer the NIAC will conduct a series of experiments (including a proof of concept) using blockchain technology to both securely share data between Additive Manufacturing sites, as well as help secure the digital thread of design and production. In September, a report will be issued, showing the practical application of this technology in a controlled environment, and then illustrating the ability to open the aperture and dramatically revolutionize other aspects of Naval operations”, he added.

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