Date of Award

9-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Operational Sciences

First Advisor

William A. Cunningham, PhD

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to highlight the issue of parts obsolescence and to highlight the possibility of using alternative methods to overcome parts shortage. Specifically, this thesis sought to answer the research question: is the three-dimensional printing technology (3D) an applicable approach to overcome part obsolescence. The research question was answered through data research and survey analysis. Notwithstanding, the diminished manufacturing sources and material shortages (DMSMS) management and other existing approaches, such as forecasting, contracting, and reverse engineering (RE), were discussed briefly in the literature review and profoundly in chapter IV to differentiate among applicable existing solutions toward solving parts obsolescence. This research qualitatively conducted a survey to identify the depth of the applicability of the 3D printing technology approach to be a solution for material shortages in comparison with other approaches to solving this matter.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENS-MS-20-S-034

DTIC Accession Number

AD1113921

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