NASA has awarded PADT and Arizona State University (ASU) $ 127,000 in Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I grants to accelerate bionic research to study 3D printed objects, similar to those found in nature like honeycombs or bamboo And light structure.
3D printed honeycomb structure
Nature is able to create sturdy, lightweight, flexible structures that cannot be manufactured using traditional machining, molding or molding. These powerful and lightweight structures are perfect for objects that need to be launched into space. That's why NASA just awarded PADT and Arizona State University a first-stage STTR grant to explore how to make this geometry. This research is critical to key industries in Arizona, such as the aerospace industry, because it can provide powerful and incredibly lightweight components for the development of aerospace and aerospace processes.
"We are honored to continue our advanced research in bionics with our friends and partners at Arizona State University," said Rey Chu, principal and co-founder of PADT. "With our comprehensive expertise in 3D printing and computer modeling, we believe our research will provide a breakthrough for the way we design items for NASA and our broad product manufacturing customers."
Recently, PADT worked with Lockheed Martin and Stratasys to help NASA develop more than 100 3D printed parts for its manned space shuttle. Specific NASA applications for this study include designing and manufacturing high-performance materials for heat exchange, lightweight structures, and resistance to space debris skin. If the first phase is successful, partners will be eligible for a second, larger grant from NASA.
Overview of cell geometry in nature and 3D printing. Image source: PADT
"When we explored the innovation of 3D printing, PADT has been an excellent partner for ASU and its students," said Ann McKenna, school director and professor at Arizona State University Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering. "Between STTR funding and cooperation to open our state-of-the-art additive manufacturing center, we are proud of what we can do together in this community."
Dhruv Bhate, an associate professor at Arizona State University, said: "New technologies in imaging and manufacturing, including 3D printing, are opening up the possibility of mimicking biological structures in ways unprecedented in human history. Our ability to build elastic structures while significantly reducing weight will Benefit product designers and manufacturers using this technology. "