Enhancing Performance via Innovative Coating of Additively Manufactured Parts

Additive Manufacturing (commonly known as 3D printing) is fast growing technology that reaches the point of increased adoption in various production environments. This unique technology allows fabrication of complex parts rapidly and cost effectively.Additive Manufacturing (AM) of plastic parts is well developed and several methods exist to fabricate components such as Filament Extrusion, Vat Photopolymerization, and Binder Jetting. While plastic AM is mature, the barriers for adoption of the technology, particularly, for military applications are significant.Parts created by plastic AM methods lack functionality due to limited selection of materials and poor performance.Lynntech proposes to develop an electroless plating approach for the deposition of tribological coatings on parts produced using Fused Deposition Modeling and Stereolithography. Electroless plating will allow uniform coating throughout the part regardless parts complexity. Lynntechs unique coating formulation will provide enhanced wear and friction resistance, hardness, high temperature protection, and improved mechanical performance. We will evaluate performance of printed parts as a function of coating conditions to develop process specifications and guidelines. The developed technology will be well defined, predictable, and reproducible. Ultimately, Lynntechs plating method and formulation will greatly enhance manufacturing of unique, high value, low volume components for military applications.