Mouser Left Banner
Mouser Left Banner
Mouser Left Banner
Mouser Right Banner
Mouser Right Banner
Mouser Right Banner
More

    Optomec Contract Supporting 3D Printed Electronics in Space is Awarded by NASA

    3D printed metal and electronics company Optomec, has been awarded a NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to continue development of its Adaptive Laser Sintering System (ALSS).

    Used as a post processing system for metal 3D printing, ALSS will enable electronics 3D printing onto a wider variety of temperature sensitive substrates, specifically for use on the International Space Station (ISS) in microgravity conditions.

    An automated process with faster production time

    ALSS is an automated method of post processing that dries, and fuses to together, the particles of a 3D printed electronic ink. As a sintering method specially developed for electronics, ALSS makes it easier for customers to achieve the desired result in their prints. It also significantly reduces typical production time and need for human intervention.

    The technique is under development by Optomec in collaboration with Harding University in Arkansas. Commenting on the partnership Edmond Wilson, Professor of Chemistry at Harding, expresses his enthusiasm for the project commenting,

    iss048e070609Successful development of laser assisted drying and sintering of 3D printed electronics will greatly reduce the production time for 3D printed electronics devices and substantially reduce the need for human intervention. We look forward to mentoring student researchers and help them jump start their careers by tackling cutting edge technology problems.

    Enhancing direct-write technologies

    As stated in the SBIR proposal, NASA commercial applications will look at applying the system “to compare and evaluate the advantages of printing electronics using different direct-write technologies,” including Optomec’s proprietary Aerosol Jet technique, inkjet printing, other metal nanoparticle ink dispensing methods and plasma jet printing technology.

    Non-NASA commercial applications on the other hand will focus solely on applying ALSS to micron-level Aerosel Jet 3D printed electronics, to “increase its production capability and market share.” An example of such applications include the sensors Optomec 3D printed onto the surface of GE turbine blades.

    A solution to NASA’s “in-space, on-demand manufacturing capabilities”

    9ABeth Paquett, Aerospace Engineer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, has thus far been leading research into the space applications for Optomec’s Aerosol Jet technology. Findings published by Paquett in 2016 found that printed gold inks were better at meeting in-space requirements, and further research was to be done into developing a cheaper, silver-based alternative.

    Specifically for in-space application Optomec CTO, Mike Renn, explains,

    After the successful design, test and implementation of ALSS, the science and technology of laser sintering will be better understood for controllable adaptive operations. ALSS can be a key solution to NASA’s challenge of in-space, on-demand manufacturing capabilities to support the unique challenges of long-duration human spaceflight, which requires an automated adaptive in-line quality control system along with the associated manufacturing process.
    -­­

    ELE Times Bureau
    ELE Times Bureauhttps://www.eletimes.com
    ELE Times provides a comprehensive global coverage of Electronics, Technology and the Market. In addition to providing in depth articles, ELE Times attracts the industry’s largest, qualified and highly engaged audiences, who appreciate our timely, relevant content and popular formats. ELE Times helps you build awareness, drive traffic, communicate your offerings to right audience, generate leads and sell your products better.

    Technology Articles

    Popular Posts

    Latest News

    Must Read

    ELE Times Top 10