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Integration of Additive Manufacturing and Ultrasonic Welding for Advanced Manufacturing of Polymers and Composites
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Description
To demonstrate combined thermoplastic (TPC) joining and additive manufacturing (AM) to support sustained presence on the moon; addressing challenges in manufacturing, joining, and repair of polymers and composites on the lunar surface
Benefits
This proposal aims to leverage established thermoplastic welding processes to complement additive manufacturing and enable in-space (1) joining of AM polymers (2) repair of TPCs and (3) increased interlaminar strength of AM polymers. Demonstration of these manufacturing capabilities improves the state of the art in manufacturing and joining with this class of materials.
Details
| Technology area | Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing |
| Program | Agency Independent Research and Development (A-IRAD) |
| Lead organization | Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH |
| Start date | 2026-10-01 |
| End date | 2027-09-30 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.
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.