Advanced Technologies for Discrete-Parts Manufacturing

The purpose of this SBIR effort is to commercialize an innovative method for the production of Modumetal™ discrete parts. The Phase I effort has demonstrated: (1) The low-cost production of monolithic parts of various scales using a net-shape (additive) manufacturing process, (2) An new production process in which cost and production volume are decoupled, and (3) Significant improvement in product life-cycle cost as a result of the enhanced performance and durability of nanolaminated Modumetal parts. The proposed Phase II program will extend the proof-of-concept work carried out in the Phase I program to advance the commercial-readiness of Modumetal’s process for cost effective production of net-shape, nanolaminated metals. In addition, Modumetal will demonstrate its production process, called “Modumetal by Design™” in a production regime in which unit cost is decoupled from production volume. This will be achieved through the production and qualification of parts in both aerospace (low-volume) and land vehicle (suspension system) applications. The objective of this Phase II demonstration is to establish the commercial viability of both the Modumetal by Design production process and the resulting Modumetal nanolaminated parts.