Worcester Polytechnic Institute Researchers Helping U.S. Military Optimize Mobile Manufacturing Labs; Could Enable Remote Units to Turn Waste Metal Into Replacement Parts Share Article The concept, being developed by researchers at WPI with support from the DoD, would increase unit readiness, making troops safer, more independent WPI researchers pour molten metal into a preheated investment casting mold. “This could revolutionize the way we manage wartime operations, reducing our vulnerability in the field."-Jianyu LiangProfessor of mechanical engineering at WPI WORCESTER, Mass. (PRWEB) April 08, 2021 Historically, replacement parts needed on remote military bases have been brought in on airplanes, ships, and truck convoys. It’s a costly and complicated supply chain that can take weeks or months between order and delivery. What’s more, the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force have issued reports citing their need to reduce operational vulnerability and improve effectiveness, while reducing waste. To help address these issues, materials scientists and engineers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) are developing a manufacturing process that will enable the military to slash wait times for parts, increase unit readiness, reduce logistical operations and costs, and make deployed troops safer and more self-sustainable.