U.S. Navy Ponders Metal Printing of Missile Parts

The U.S. Navy has granted Metal Technology (MTI), Albany, OR, a contract to develop and demonstrate advanced aerospace additive-manufacturing techniques for low-cost manufacturing of refractory metal components for propulsion systems used on the Trident D5 missile system. As part of the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) contract, MTI will work with the Navy to reduce cost and complexity using advanced 3D printing to fabricate refractory metal parts.

“Phase one of this project is to develop processes and demonstrate the fabrication of simplified, subscale articles using C103 niobium alloy and provide approaches for fabrication of additional refractory metals/alloys including molybdenum and tantalum," says Gary Cosmer, CEO of MTI.” 

“Key performance requirements for the additively manufactured refractory articles," adds MTI director of engineering Jason Stitzel, include surviving exposure to a gaseous environment in excess of 3200 F for 10 min.at 550 PSI, and achieving mechanical properties that meet or exceed the properties derived from traditional processing methods.” 

Technologies:

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