Atomic-6, Inc. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF203-CSO1
Atomic-6, Inc. — SBIR Phase I award from Department of Defense.
Phase I SBIR feasibility signal
- Phase I awards fund proof-of-concept work. For capture teams, they mark early interest from Department of Defense in a technical approach.
- Watch for Phase II follow-ons from the same firm/topic family — that conversion path is where budgets and transition pressure rise.
- Obligated amount $49,810. Cross-check similar awards in the same agency and technology tags for going-rate context.
- Topic code AF203-CSO1 links this award to a solicitation family — search the same topic stem for incumbents and recompete timing.
- Amount
- $49,810
- Agency
- Department of Defense · Air Force
- Program / Phase
- SBIR · Phase I
- Topic
- AF203-CSO1
- Solicitation
- X20.3
- NAICS
- —
- Place of performance
- GA
- Period
- 2021-02-04 → 2021-05-03
Description
Atomic-6 is a United States-based advanced manufacturing firm specializing in environmentally friendly, next generation composite parts. Through a proprietary process, currently filed as a provisional patent, that includes both novel tooling design and a novel resin infusion process, Atomic-6 provides benefits such as: 1) exponentially reduced manufacturing costs; 2) the highest performing composites available in the market; and 3) up to a 98% reduction in autoclave cycle times compared to existing manufacturing processes. Atomic-6’s carbon fiber composite flat panel has been evaluated by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works (where the F-35, among other advanced aircraft, was developed) and has shown extremely favorable results. Using microscopy, Skunk Works visually confirmed Atomic-6’s carbon fiber composite panel was almost non-existent of void (air) content. Voids weaken the structural integrity of composite materials. Atomic-6 can produce parts that have less than 0.5% void content versus 1-5% commonly found in existing aerospace grade carbon fiber composites. In another test, Skunk Works confirmed the fiber to resin ratio of the material to be 63% fiber and 37% resin by volume, much higher than the next highest existing grades of carbon fiber composites on the market at 55% fiber volume – higher fiber volumes are indicative of better mechanical performance and lighter weight (resin dependant). This 8% increase in fiber volume equates to Atomic-6’s carbon fiber composite having a tensile strength that is 6,321 Ksi higher (14.22% improvement) than the next highest comparable grades of carbon fiber composites. The tensile modulus (stiffness of a solid material) was measured at 98% of the theoretical limit versus the historical 80% for carbon fiber composites. Lastly, Atomic-6’s process has eliminated the need for expensive pre-impregnated carbon fibers and reduced autoclave cycle times from 30 hours down to 20 minutes (resin dependent). This allows for an extremely cost-competitive product – at a potential price that is 80% less than certain high end aerospace-grade carbon fiber composites – while still producing carbon fiber composites that are step change improvements above what is currently available.