Ambient Reactive Extrusion Additive Manufacturing

This project will validate the use of additive manufacturing methods that use thermoset polymers as a printing material for on-demand production of prototype parts. Key attributes will include the ability to tailor polymer properties such as strength, flexibility, stiffness, temperature stability, and flammability to the needs of the component. Manufacturing process attributes such as speed, resolution, and versatility of the printing process (e.g. ability to print hard and soft segments or multiple polymer systems within a single component, incorporate filler materials, etc.) will also be a factor in assessing the overall utility of the manufacturing process. Of primary importance will be whether prototype components can be prepared that meet performance specifications for each particular component – whether they are suitable for Government testing to validate whether they meet the form, fit, and function requirements to a sufficient degree to consider the additively manufactured components suitable alternatives to the conventionally-sourced components that are difficult if not impossible to obtain, or to obtain in a timely and cost-effective manner. Finally, an assessment will be made of the ability to produce parts at required scale/quantity.