"The Manufacturing Innovation project will focus on rapid prototyping for low-cost manufacturing including algorithm and software development for modeling and simulation to streamline the design to manufacturing pipeline." |
The MIP project consists of two major elements. The goal of the
first element is to develop and demonstrate the ability to fabricate
high quality, reliable, and certifiable parts using additive manufacturing
(AM) processes for in space application. Plans are to: (1) develop
enhanced physics-based modeling/simulation and autonomous finishing/inspection
processes; (2) develop an interface between these processes and a
AM system (also known as 3D printing and rapid prototyping); and
(3) demonstrate that the enhanced manufacturing process is universal
to any AM system. For this activity, a functional part from the International
Space Station ECLSS (Environmental Control and Life Support System)
will be selected as the test case. Several of these parts will be
fabricated using LaRC’s EBF3 (Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication)
system and MSFC’s EBMRP (Electron Beam Melting Rapid Prototyping)
system. The parts will undergo mechanical, structural, and load testing
and material NDE resulting in a statistical data base for the material
selected. Also fit checks, functional tests, and durability tests
will be performed on the finished parts. Although the specimens will
be fabricated on earth in a gravity environment, the ultimate goal
is fabricate these parts in space using raw materials for planetary
bodies, stock delivered from earth, or recycled materials used in
space with minimal human involvement. |
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