Additive Manufacturing Process for Magnetic Shielding

Additive manufacturing of superconducting magnetic shields offers the ability to improve instrumentation sensitivity, reduce weight, and lower cost for space exploration. SkyVision Sciences proposes a method for 3D printing of superconducting metals/alloys. In the Phase I effort niobium and niobium-tin superconductors will be fabricated using the proposed method. These materials will be characterized using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Fabricated parts will be tested for dimensional accuracy, defects, and their critical temperature. A manufacturing cost assessment will be made. A potential Phase II effort will look to further optimize the method, demonstrate the production of superconducting magnetic shield with complex designs, and produce shields for evaluation by NASA.