ENGINEERED BETA CELL LINES AS DISCOVERY TOOLS

Not Available There are no rapid prototyping methods that can directly create sintered ceramic or refractory metal components. Busek proposes to develop a micro sized plasma torch system to facilitate the direct writing/sintering of refractory components. The potential advantages of this technique are clear; the part is ready for use upon release from the build, there is no post-processing step, where a part may shrink or distort. For this and other reasons, a micro-plasma torch prototyping technique can show distinct advantages over laser sintering and other competing three-dimensional printing processes. The goal of the proposed program is to develop a miniaturized, high power density plasma micro-torch system for application to direct writing of high melting point (>2000 degrees Celsius) components. The micro torch will be demonstrated using silicon and hafnium carbide powders. In Phase I, Busek will produce a micro scale plasma torch and test its ability to fabricate simple objects. In continued work, the torch will be incorporated into a low cost system using commercially available stages and drivers. BENEFITS: Busek's plasma torch direct writing sintering technology has the potential to form dense parts and functionally gradient components directly from powders. This process is ideal for prototyping of high temperature ceramic and refractory metal parts. A system based on this micro-torch will be immediately useful to ceramic manufacturers.