Low Cost Aerodynamic Spinel Domes via 3D Printing

TA&T proposes to advance the state of the art of 3D printed, transparent spinel components demonstrated in our Phase I effort. 3D printed spinel optics have the potential to meet the Army's requirements for low cost, aerodynamic missile domes by providing a lower cost alternative to the conventional processing techniques of dome production. 3D printing enables a significant decrease in labor, tooling, and capital equipment costs, with the added benefit of creating a more dimensionally accurate and repeatable blank. The increase in process reliability would further decrease overall cost by reducing time spent grinding and polishing. The Phase II contract objectives include optimization of the entire build process, optical performance characterization of various spinel geometries and a production cost analysis of 3D printed optics versus traditional ceramic processing routes. Such a "digital" manufacturing process that has virtually unlimited geometric dome design flexibility would be a great benefit.