About this Abstract |
Meeting |
2022 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2022)
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Symposium
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2022 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2022)
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Presentation Title |
Developing a Roadmap to Manufacture Feedstocks for Selective Laser Sintering |
Author(s) |
Peter Braegelmann, Rachel R Collino, Cade Willis, Natasha Story, Matthew Dirmyer, Joseph Torres |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Peter Braegelmann |
Abstract Scope |
An important goal for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) weapons complex is to improve the agility and responsiveness to field new stockpile designs. Manufacturing of polymeric components for nuclear weapons applications is often performed by outside vendors via injection molding and machining. Recent problems with this strategy include failures in visual (inclusions/discolorations) and dimensional inspections. Additive Manufacturing (AM) supports this goal by providing the ability to rapidly produce small lots of prototype components early in the production process, with the hope of opportunities for insertion of actual components in the future. In order to realize this goal, we seek to optimize custom powder feedstocks for SLS. This work focuses on developing a roadmap to process non- commercial materials into printable feedstocks. Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) has the ability to scale up which can potentially give the complex full control of feedstocks, mitigating any supply chain risks. Efforts have focused on ensuring LANL has necessary benchtop processing equipment to be able to transfer to KCNSC.
Additionally, developing industry partners is critical to advance AM technology. Specifically, Advance Laser Materials (ALM) is currently developing thermoplastic feedstocks for the SLS process. Working with industry allows the complex to have input on formulations. Specifically, having input on any additives or flow agents gives us more flexibility to ensure materials meet specified requirements. This will ultimately define an overarching framework for printing non-commercial thermoplastic materials in an agile and responsive manner. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Definite: Post-meeting proceedings |