In Theater Additive Manufacturing of Ceramic Armor for Dismounted Soldiers and Structures

Goodman Technologies LLC (GTL) in partnership with Robocasting Enterprises LLC (a Small Business spin-off from Sandia National Laboratories technology transfer program) and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, (UHM, a Minority Institution) propose to demonstrate the Robocasting process for 3D printing alumina (Al2O3), boron carbide (B4C), and silicon carbide (SiC) advanced ceramic materials. Using a proprietary delivery system and proprietary particulate pastes, we are able to 3D print parts at a minimum of 3.47 faster (247% improvement) than the 30 g/s Army Research Laboratory requirement. GTLs innovation and capability are directly responsive to the Armys initiative for tailorable, rapidly produced and affordable ceramic armor, which is not possible via traditional manufacturing due to specialty tooling, large upfront costs, and long lead times. Our process will provide an in-theater solution for future dismounted soldiers to additively manufacture customized body armor plate replacements and protective structures at forward operating bases (FOBs). Future applications may include the Modular Scalable Vest (MSV) developed by the Army during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and ceramic helmets.