← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
We propose to evaluate a novel plasma electrolytic oxidation surface finishing technique that uniformly finishes the surface and reduces surface roughness of Ti-6Al-4V additively manufactured parts, including interiors of parts, and would allow for more intricate design capability and increased component life. Fatigue and corrosion test specimens will be evaluated from treated and non-treated samples.
Metallic parts are routinely produced by additive manufacturing (3D Printing) for use on spacecraft and launch vehicles. Additive manufacturing (AM) allows for on-demand production and new design capabilities, potentially reducing weight, power and cost requirements for spacecraft and launch vehicles. Often surface finishing techniques, such as media blasting or vibratory polishing, are required. However, traditional surface finishing techniques limit the design capability because surface finishing on the interior of intricate parts cannot be accomplished. Therefore, Ti-6Al-4V additively manufactured aerospace parts have not fully benefited from intricate designs and may be limited in fatigue-sensitive applications.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.