EDUCATION

• Naval Postgraduate School, 2013 Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering
• Dissertation: "Processing, Microstructure, and Material Properties Relationships Following Friction Stir Welding of Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Steels", National Defense University, 2007
• Masters of Science, Joint Campaign Planning and Strategy, United States Naval Academy, 1994, Bachelors of Science, Marine Engineering

RESEARCH AREAS

• Additive Manufacturing
• Nuclear Materials
• Material Properties Characterization
• Joining Techniques

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Permanent Military Professor, U.S. Naval Academy (Oct 2013 - Present)
• Director MakerSpaceUSNA (May 2016 – Present)
• Divisional Materials Laboratory Director (May 2013 - Present)
• Associate Chair (2017-2018)
• Nuclear Trained Submarine Officer, U.S. Navy, (May 1994 - Jul 2010)
• Executive Officer: USS PHILADLEPHIA (SSN 690)
• Engineering Officer: PCU NORTH CAROLINA (SSN 777) and USS LOUISIANA (SSBN 743)
• Division Officer: USS MIAMI (SSN 755)
• Enlisted Nuclear Trained Machinist Mate, U.S. Navy, (Sep 1988 - Jun 1990)

In 2023, Rock Island Arsenal brought the world's largest printer for metal parts of alloys from aluminum to steel online thanks to leadership from US Army GVSC. A smaller companion version of the same additive and subtractive machine is housed at the AMCC to encourage additional industrial use and partnership with the DOD.

The MELD process is unique because it is solid-state, meaning it does not melt the metal. This fact leads to several advantages for users.  For example, MELD is capable of printing metals that fusion (melt) based processes cannot. MELD printers can make parts in aluminum alloys like 7075 and 2219 that are valuable to aerospace and other industries prioritizing lightweight components. MELD printers can make parts in aluminum 6061 which is the most common alloy used in manufacturing worldwide. The printers accept standard off the shelf metal rod, and do not require a powder or a special alloy for use. As metal powders are a health and safety hazard, the use of solid rods makes the MELD process safe and well suited for portability.  Another outcome of the solid-state nature of the process is that it is conducted in open air. This allows MELD machines to make very large parts economically.  This capability was demonstrated when MELD was used to print a 10ft/3.05m diameter aluminum cylinder, the largest additively manufactured cylinder to date. Large part printing allows delivery of MELD-printed parts in days that replace forgings with one to two year lead times.

This large part printing has been taken to a whole new level by the US Army who has invested in large scale printing to explore options for speeding parts from the supply chain, improving vehicle survivability, and evaluating new emerging materials.

At Craitor we are working to revolutionize the DoD supply chain to enhance material readiness and warfighter capability. 

We aspire to expand the edge manufacturing capabilities for the warfighter and de-risk additive manufacturing within the DoD and commercial markets.

In 2016 Col. Dan Anders-Brown became the first Head of Additive Manufacturing for the British Army.  In this role, whilst working in British Army Headquarters, he secured funding for all future AM equipment and planned the AM trials for the next five years.  This included the first deployable metal printing trial to happen in Europe. 

The equipment which he purchased was used to establish an Army Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence, which helped to centralise and cohere Army AM research, as well as to enable soldiers to deploy internationally, to support operations and take part in major NATO trials with countries such as Cyprus and Estonia. 

In 2019 Col. Anders-Brown was promoted to work for the Future Capabilities Group, in the British Ministry of Defence (spanning all front-line commands). Again, he volunteered to drive additive manufacturing adoption and coherence.  

Without Col. Anders-Browns enthusiasm and hard work, the British Ministry of Defence and British Army would not have had the number of successes or level of coherence which it has achieved. 

In his remaining days at British Army Headquarters, he remained fully engaged with Additive adoption until his last day, ensuring that the Army's Chief Engineer was willing to document additive manufacturing as a method for expedient (temporary) repair to battle damaged vehicles. 

On his last day in the job, he organized for the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of General Staff to have a tour of a deployable additive manufacturing factory (makerspace).  This high profile demonstrated the capability at a 4* level and the event helped to influence engagement from senior decision makers for the next four years.