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3D Printing

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an additive manufacturing process that creates a physical object from a digital design. The process works by laying down thin layers of material in the form of liquid or powdered plastic, metal or cement, and then fusing the layers together.

Federal Announcements

How Digital Twins Could Protect Manufacturers From Cyberattacks

| Department of Commerce (DOC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) | 3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Research and Development (R&D)

A team of researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Michigan devised a cybersecurity framework that brings digital twin technology together with machine learning and human expertise to flag indicators of cyberattacks. In a paper published in IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering, the researchers showed the feasibility of their strategy by detecting cyberattacks aimed at a 3D printer in their lab.

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Related Programs

  • America Makes

    Agency:
    Department of Defense (DoD)
    Topics:
    3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing, Manufacturing USA, Technology, Workforce

    America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute is a Manufacturing USA Institute and the nation’s leading public-private partnership for additive manufacturing (AM) technology and education. America Makes members from industry, academia, government, and workforce and economic development organizations work together to accelerate AM adoption and the nation’s global manufacturing competitiveness, focused on three areas — developing AM technology, developing an AM workforce, and maintaining a collaborative AM ecosystem. 

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  • Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network

    Agencies:
    Department of Commerce (DOC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
    Topics:
    3D Printing, Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Automation, Business Operations, Clean Energy, Cybersecurity, Export, Industrial Commons, Industry 4.0, Small and Medium-sized Manufacturers, Technology, Workforce

    The MEP National NetworkTM is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing.  The Network comprises the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the MEP Advisory Board, MEP Center boards, and the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence, as well as over 1,440 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 460 MEP service locations. MEP Centers tailor services ranging from process improvement and workforce development to specialized business practices, including supply chain integration and technology transfer. Centers connect manufacturers with government agencies, trade associations, universities, research laboratories, state and federal initiatives, and other resources.

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