MTDG launches survey to map out trusted drone parts marketplace

Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group has opened an industrywide survey to define requirements for a possible U.S. marketplace for 3D-printed drone components. The findings are meant to guide a proposed network for Group 1 and Group 2 drones, with input from buyers and manufacturers shaping supplier vetting, quality, cybersecurity and production standards.

Why it matters: - MTDG is trying to build a trusted supply chain for drone parts made with additive manufacturing, a move that could help buyers find vetted U.S. suppliers and help manufacturers understand what standards a future marketplace will require. - The effort targets Group 1 and Group 2 unmanned aircraft systems, where dependable production, delivery and protection of sensitive information can affect procurement decisions. - The survey results will shape the proposed Trusted Intelligent Cybersecure Distributed Additive Manufacturing Ecosystem, or TICDAME.

What happened: - Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group, Inc. launched an industrywide survey to gather requirements for a potential U.S. marketplace for 3D-printed drone components. - The survey is open to drone original equipment manufacturers, drone service providers and drone users/operators, as well as additive manufacturing suppliers and potential suppliers. - MTDG said the survey is designed to capture what buyers and sellers want before decisions are made about the marketplace design.

The details: - The envisioned ecosystem would connect drone OEMs, service providers and users/operators with a vetted supply chain of small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers. - MTDG wants to identify priorities for supplier vetting, consistent part quality, cybersecurity, traceable manufacturing and inspection records, and dependable production and delivery. - Buyer responses will be used to map sourcing needs and expectations. - Manufacturer responses will be used to identify production capabilities, participation requirements and barriers a future marketplace should address. - MTDG is seeking one knowledgeable respondent per organization. - Manufacturers do not need to make drone components today to participate. - Companies with relevant 3D-printing capabilities are encouraged to take part even if they are still exploring the market. - Participants can choose the survey that best fits their organization’s perspective: drone OEMs, service providers and users/operators can use this survey, while additive manufacturing suppliers and potential suppliers can use this survey. - Survey participants may also enter an optional raffle for a YETI cooler through a separate link at the end of the survey. - Participation is voluntary and does not commit any organization to joining a future manufacturing network. - The findings will inform the requirements for a potential marketplace and the criteria that could guide supplier vetting.

Between the lines: - MTDG is testing whether a marketplace can solve two problems at once: give drone buyers confidence in supplier reliability and give manufacturers a clearer path to prove capability. - The emphasis on cybersecurity and traceability suggests the proposed network is meant to support defense-adjacent or sensitive applications, not just general manufacturing. - The survey-first approach signals that MTDG wants the marketplace framework to be built around user needs rather than imposed from the top down.

What's next: - MTDG will use survey responses to define the requirements and vetting criteria for the proposed TICDAME marketplace. - The organization may use the findings to guide the design of a future manufacturing network for drone components. - MTDG also says manufacturers with relevant capabilities can continue to participate even if they are not currently making drone parts.

The bottom line: - MTDG is gathering market input now to determine whether a trusted, cybersecure U.S. drone parts marketplace can work, and what standards it would need to earn buyer confidence. - MTDG is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and its website is MTDG.