Tiered Additive Manufacturing (TAM)

Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)

Description

The proposed technology is innovative because it brings the proven advantages of PBAM to space by overcoming technology gaps by introducing powder-based printing on substrates. The substrate provides a means to hold each printed layer together in reduced gravity prior to fusion. TAM also reduces powder waste significantly as the powders are printed only where needed. Potential capabilities of TAM include fabrication of composites by printing different materials simultaneously on one substrate and in situ microstructure control by locally varying solidification and cooling rates by printing powders of different sizes.

Benefits

TAM will enable fabrication of higher-resolution (10s of microns) metallic parts of more complex geometry compared to either directed energy deposition or bound-metal deposition processes, which is vital for long-duration missions and sustaining human exploration of deep space where resupply from Earth is extremely difficult.

Details

Technology area	Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing > Manufacturing > Manufacturing Processes
Program	Center Innovation Fund: MSFC CIF (MSFC CIF)
Lead organization	Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL
Start date	2020-10-01
End date	2021-09-30

Project contacts

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

Michael P Sansoucie — michael.p.sansoucie@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.