To counter China, Biden launches 3D printing initiative with GE Aviation and other large firms
- Honeywell, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin among other firms committing to help SME suppliers boost output of 3D printed components
- Biden renews call for passage of massive bills aimed at boosting development and production of semiconductor chips and other high-tech products
US President Joe Biden‘s administration announced on Friday a new initiative that would boost manufacturing of 3D printed products by domestic small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs), an effort that the White House hopes will work in conjunction with legislation meant to boost US competitiveness against China.
Dubbed “Additive Manufacturing Forward” or “AM Forward”, the initiative involves voluntary commitments from some of America’s largest manufacturers, including aerospace giant GE Aviation and leading defence contractor Raytheon, to source more 3D printed parts from smaller companies.
The larger companies would pledge to help train workers at these SMEs to make the products and help develop common development and certification standards for “additive manufacturing”, otherwise known as 3D printing.
Extending 3D printing capabilities to more companies in the high-tech supply chain, the administration reasons, would lower costs and increase the competitiveness of US SMEs and reduce dependence the large manufacturers and defence contractors have on overseas companies.
At an event attended by executives from some of America’s largest manufacturers, Biden touted the potential 3D printing has to offer economically and from a national security perspective.
“The executives here today have agreed to launch a new compact between large, iconic manufacturers and smaller American suppliers, a commitment by these large companies to help those smaller ones adapt new technologies so we can continue to be the leading exporter of aircrafts and engines in areas like medical devices, clean energy technologies and so much more,” he said.
While Biden’s policies have diverged from the priorities of his immediate predecessor, former president Donald Trump, particularly on social issues and the environment, he has so far kept hard-line policies on China intact, including efforts to reduce American reliance on manufacturing in the country.
