Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: To address the Navy"s need for nonchemical chrome-stripping technologies, Physical Op

Description

To address the Navy"s need for nonchemical chrome-stripping technologies, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Liquid-Nitrogen-Infused Stripping Apparatus (LISA). This proposed apparatus is based on application of a highly pressurized liquid nitrogen jet combined with the application of ultrasonic excitation. The innovation in coating removal technology will enable LISA to perform selective stripping of hard chrome plating without damage to the underlying substrate, corner radii, bearing faces, or adjacent critical features. Therefore, this system offers the ability to repair and rework worn and damaged metallic coatings on landing gear and hydraulic actuators for Navy aircraft, such as the F-18, which directly addresses the PMA-265 requirements for hard chrome removal by nonchemical means. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the LISA process by removing the AMS-2460 compliant hard chrome coating from Navy flat and round test coupons and will prepare a cost analysis on the process. In Phase II, POC plans to develop a prototype of the LISA device to demonstrate the effectiveness of a hand-operated tool that combines the application of liquid nitrogen and ultrasonic vibration to solve the Navy"s problem of hard chrome coating rework for operation in Navy repair and overhaul facilities.