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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
The primary focus of this proposal is to examine the development of a new method of digital materials and manufacturing process to produce sparsely filled structures using a reconfigurable lattice. The proposed work will investigate the implementation of the concept, examining questions including design, fabrication, geometry, and planning issues related to the nature of achievable structures. The approach addresses a number of shortcomings in current additive manufacturing processes, including strength of materials, efficiency of material usage, energy-efficiency of the process, and reusability/reconfigurability of the base materials – all of which will lead to improved efficiency and facilitation of fabricating spatial structures, especially in remote locations where mass/volume of payloads is at a premium.
The approach addresses a number of shortcomings in current additive manufacturing processes, including strength of materials, efficiency of material usage, energy-efficiency of the process, and reusability/reconfigurability of the base materials all of which will lead to improved efficiency and facilitation of fabricating spatial structures, especially in remote locations where mass/volume of payloads is at a premium.
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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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