SCRA's in-house experts and extensive partner networks develop and apply solutions for each step of the manufacturing enterprise to increase productivity, performance and profits.
Requirements/Planning SCRA led the development of new software that integrates part and process models with cost models allows designers to see the cost impact of decisions in real time and early in the design process.
Product Engineering An SCRA engineering team applies manufacturing improvements that help the Defense Logistics Agency get reliable cast metals parts quickly. One example is radiography that enables real-time three dimensional imaging so that interior part defects can be discovered. Proactive casting changes prevent part failure while in use.
Sourcing SCRA leads teams of 230 forgers, 2,100 foundries and 27 leading research institutions to deliver improved metal components to the DoD. An SCRA-led team of over 40 composite industry leaders collaborates to improve the performance and durability of US Navy land, air and sea vehicles.
Technical Data Packages SCRA leads a consortium of industry leaders, such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, as well as smaller companies to develop product data standards that are used in manufacturing hundreds of thousands of products. SCRA engineers have helped hundreds of metal component manufacturers incorporate Technical Data Packages into their operations, expanding their capabilities and opening new markets.
Manufacturing Engineering SCRA leads a program to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of 3D laser scanning to address Reverse Engineering. The program integrated laser scanning technology into the Anniston Army Depot's manufacturing process.
Materials An SCRA-led team develops applications based on copper's unique physical properties. Forging-like integrity is now being accomplished in copper alloys by die casting in a semi-solid state.
Manufacturing Production The SCRA-led Navy Center of Excellence in Shipbuilding has saved over $20 million in total "per hull" costs across several US Navy platforms. Laser imaging and 3-D digital ship design data helps determine the quantity and location of various submarine attachments, resulting in an estimated 85 percent reduction in labor and up to $500,000 cost savings per hull.
Supply Chain Management An SCRA-led team developed automated technical data package delivery for Raytheon that resulted in $10 million dollars in annual labor savings along with significant cycle time reduction.
Inventory Control& After-Market Support SCRA pioneered mobile, cargo container-sized manufacturing units capable of reverse-engineering critical defense parts and producing replacements in-theater. SCRA led the design of EMALL, DoD's online purchasing site. Hundreds of thousands of orders of supplies have been ordered and delivered to US warfighters worldwide using the system.
Decommission & Recycling SCRA is part owner of MIT RCF, developer of a game-changing technology for recycling carbon. Parts containing this lightweight, extremely strong material cannot legally be placed in landfills and until now have not been recyclable.