SPECIAL NOTICE
99 -- TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Microwave Volumetric Additive Manufacturing
- Notice Date
- 3/16/2023 7:31:08 AM
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 333248
—
- Contracting Office
- LLNS � DOE CONTRACTOR Livermore CA 94551 USA
- ZIP Code
- 94551
- Solicitation Number
- IL-13688andIL-13767
- Response Due
- 3/16/2023 9:00:00 AM
- Archive Date
- 04/17/2023
- Point of Contact
- Genaro Mempin, Phone: 9254231121, Charlotte Eng, Phone: 9254221905
- E-Mail Address
-
mempin1@llnl.gov, eng23@llnl.gov
(mempin1@llnl.gov, eng23@llnl.gov)
- Description
- Opportunity: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration to commercialize its microwave volumetric additive manufacturing technology. Background: Researchers at LLNL have developed Computed Axial Lithography (CAL) that unlike most additive manufacturing (AM) methods, printed parts could be fabricated in a single step.� The advantage of this Volumetric Additive Manufacturing (VAM) approach is the capability to print arbitrarily defined 3D geometries at high speed and without stair-step artifacts from layering.� However, like other light-based AM methods, CAL is limited to transparent photosensitive liquid resin feedstock materials due to the high attenuation of light waves within optically opaque materials. Through numerical simulation studies on shaping microwave beams, LLNL researchers have been able to demonstrate microwave energy localization as well as the ability to focus the microwaves to a desired shape.� The simulations were supported with experimental results on feedstock epoxy resins loaded with a wide range of opaque additives; regions in the feedstock with high localized fields were the areas that had localized thermal curing of the resin. � With Microwave Volumetric Additive Manufacturing (MVAM), the design space of VAM could broaden beyond the limited optically transparent 3D printing feedstocks and chemistries required by light-based VAM such as CAL. Description: LLNL�s MVAM method comprises of a microwave applicator array coupled to a time-reversal beam steering algorithm to focus and deposit microwave energy in the feedstock material.� The selective focusing of high-power microwave fields results in delivery of localized energy to arbitrary regions in a 3D volume.� The localized area in the 3D volume heats up, allowing for the curing, sintering or binding of feedstock material in that location. MVAM enables selective thermal-mediated chemistries and processes during the fabrication of the 3D printed part, which could take place in various ways: Single Applicator MVAM � 3D generation of full objects completed in a single step.� Instead of using multiple waveguide applicators to control the energy field, a single applicator could be used with complex adaptable lens. Microwave Direct Ink Write (MIW) � a pseudo 1D localization of a microwave-induced thermal hotspot which can be moved on X-Y gantry; objects in this case are built layer-by-layer through the writing with the hotspot. Microwave Stereolithography (M-SLA) � 2D masking of microwaves to create slices of printed material, similar to photomasking methods of SLA; objects can be built up slice by slice. Advantages/Benefits:� Unlike light-based AM methods, microwaves can induce the thermal curing, sintering and binding of non-transparent or non-photosensitive feedstock materials that could be in the form of a liquid, gel, paste, solid or composite, thus expanding the VAM paradigm to a wider range of materials.� Feedstock could also include particle additives such as piezoresistive and conductive carbon black, ceramic particulates or chemically active inorganic catalysts.� Since microwaves can penetrate farther than light, large area printing with a broad range of materials is enabled with MVAM.� Additionally, the technology can enable volumetric processing of opaque particulate samples by microwave sintering under pressure. Potential Applications:� 3D printing of opaque (non-transparent) materials, including glass, ceramic and other composites.� The high sensitivity of microwaves towards certain particles mixed in the feedstock opens up applications towards developing novel functional electronic devices, such as energy storage, metamaterials, and piezo-sensitive sensors. Development Status:� LLNL has filed for patent protections on this invention. Current stage of technology development:� TRL 2 LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information.� Please visit the IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process. Note:� THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT.� Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's Microwave Volumetric Additive Manufacturing should provide a written statement of interest, which includes the following: 1.�������� Company Name and address. 2.�������� The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact. 3.� � � � �A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology. Written responses should be directed to: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Innovation and Partnerships Office P.O. Box 808, L-779 Livermore, CA� 94551-0808 Attention:�� IL-13688 and IL-13767 Please provide your written statement within thirty (30) days from the date this announcement is published to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's Microwave Volumetric Additive Manufacturing.
- Web Link
-
SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/opp/5d20ce4f1b51461aaed0c86ce9927513/view)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Livermore, CA, USA
- Country: USA
- Country: USA
- Record
- SN06620578-F 20230318/230316230108 (samdaily.us)
- Source
-
SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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