VRC Metal Systems, LLC — Department of Defense STTR Phase I: A16A-T002

Description

VRC Metal Systems, LLC, together with our research partner, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT), propose the development of a high deposition rate cold spray additive manufacturing and repair capability for depositing titanium and its alloys. Phase I will baseline current deposition rates, develop expected properties, and produce a design for increasing deposition rate to be manufactured and tested in Phase II. VRC, a cold spray equipment and technology developer with an established record of successful technology transition, will provide the equipment development expertise, and SDSMT, a nationally recognized university specializing in cold spray technology and the application of materials processing technologies for the DoD and industry, will provide process development and materials characterization expertise. The proposed effort will result in a cold spray capability that allows for the repair or additive manufacturing of near net shape titanium parts on the order of 20 lbs per hour. This proposed approach has the potential to provide a rapid and versatile deposition technology for the Army and will also have numerous applications in industry for repair and large area deposition, in addition to rapid additive manufacturing with powder materials.