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Amorphous Based Drill Bits for Icy Surface Sampling

Completed TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)

Description

LM Group Holdings Inc. (LMGH) proposes a .series of amorphous-based alloy materials to be applied as drill bits for sampling icy surfaces using laser and Plasma Transferred Arc (PTA). and will be able to offer high wear resistance at severe conditions.

Benefits

Lunar and mars rover sampling tools and other drilling components that are exposed to extreme environments and need reliable mechanical operation are the potential NASA applications.

Primary markets for the wear-resistant materials include drill bits for icy conditions. However, this material could provide solutions in several industries including aerospace, power generation, oil and gas, nuclear, metal cutting and forming tools and dies, mining and excavation equipment, oilfield service equipment, automotive components, and agricultural equipment market segments as well.

Details

Technology areaRobotic Systems > Manipulation > Sample Acquisition and Handling
ProgramSmall Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR)
Lead organizationLM Group Holdings, Inc., Lake Forest, CA
Start date2020-08-31
End date2021-03-01

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.