The Vulcan Advanced Hybrid Manufacturing System

The Vulcan Advanced Hybrid Manufacturing System (VULCAN) is an innovative extruder technology incorporating a CNC finishing tool to post-process additively manufactured polymer and metal parts. Supported by a Phase II SBIR from NASA, it builds upon the advances in additive manufacturing demonstrated by 3DPrint, AMF, Archinaut, and internal Made In Space, Inc. developments. The core innovative capability of VULCAN is to additively manufacture precision metallic and non-metallic parts within the same device. The gantry system provides the infrastructure for interchangeable thermoplastic extruder heads and metal deposition heads that are mounted alongside a traditional machining head. Many metal additive manufacturing techniques require machining or finishing after construction to produce the final, ready-to-use part. Using the technology developed through this SBIR aides in creating an end-to-end quality process to verify the finished part using VULCAN.

The VULCAN technology is primarily intended for sustaining human spaceflight operations, first on the ISS and, later, on long-duration missions to the Moon, Mars, or other destinations in the Solar System. MIS has built industry alliances to evaluate the optimal concept of operations for in-space manufacturing as an enabling technology for the NextSTEP Cislunar Habitat. Robotic expeditionary missions can also employ VULCAN technology for autonomous repairs while building the infrastructure preceding human habitation.

The Department of Defense has a demonstrated need for advanced manufacturing capabilities in remote locations and on forward-deployed platforms without regular logistical support or available resources for traditional fabrication and finishing technologies. VULCAN provides an on-demand manufacturing capability in a small form factor that can be customized for their needs.

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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