Binder Jet Additive Manufacturing of Silicon Carbide Heat Exchangers

ExOne is proposing to develop its Binder Jetting Additive Manufacturing process for silicon carbide recuperators in support of NASA Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP) initiatives. Lighter weight, higher efficiency, high temperature heat exchangers have been identified as a need in the A1.04 subtopic. ExOne will demonstrate the technical feasibility of using AM to build silicon cardide heat exchangers by optimizing print parameters and post processing techniques to maximize the SiC volume fraction in the final material. ExOne will characterize the materials and demonstrate a sub scale heat exchanger component to show the potential to create highly complex shapes in silicon carbide quickly and cost effectively. Phase II will focus on scale up and a full recuperator prototype demonstartion and validation.

Heat exchangers, recuperators, optics (mirrors and support structures), high temperature structural materials for hypersonic applications.

Semiconductors, semiconductor tooling, high temperature furnace components,

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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