Glove Box For Inkless 3D Electronics Printer

Project Objective  

The glove box funded by this effort is to be integrated with a 3D electronics printer to provide an inert environment and miniature clean room as a path to developing a portable microelectronics fabrication facility for in-space critical system repair. 

Project Description 

Prior investigations with 3D printed electronics have been plagued with oxidation and contamination issues highly affecting process development and yields. Housing the 3D electronics printer in an inert gas prevents material oxidation during the printing process. Further, testing samples in an inert environment increases progress and scientific data quality. The gas environment “clean room” is also free from dust and other contaminants that affect production yields. Hazardous materials used in the production of microelectronics are safely contained increasing operator safety. 

The glove box enhances Marshall's ability to fabricate long-lead electronics parts for NASA and the Department of Defense. Further, it enables development of a portable microelectronics fabrication appliance that can be used in space for critical system repair. Currently, research is focused on fabricating simple semiconductors, e.g., diodes, but this is on the path to more complex devices such as transistors and later, integrated circuits. 

Project Results and Conclusions 

The 2.5-meter long glove box was received and installed in Marshall's development laboratory. Its assembly is complete. Integration of the 3D electronics printer into the glove box is nearing completion. Custom through-hole electrical wiring harness fabrication and custom gas port hardware fabrication is in work. Fabrication research with the complete system is expected Spring 2026. 

• Fabricate long-lead or obsolete electronic parts for NASA and Department of Defense.
• Provide a path to developing a miniature microelectronic fabrication facility for in-space repair of critical electronics systems saving the mass and volume of potentially unused spare parts.

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.

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