Additive Manufacturing of Elastomeric Seals

In recent years, the aerospace industry has been moving towards the use of out-of-autoclave resin systems for fabricating composite hardware.  These resin systems enable the cure of large, complex structures without vast on-site autoclave facilities.  One technique for curing large structures with out-of-autoclave materials is to use custom shape “pick and place” ovens.  Currently, the methods for sealing these special ovens onto complex surfaces are lacking the maturity that is necessary for high-throughput composite manufacturing. The overall goal of this program is to demonstrate, advance, and commercialize non-silicone, additively-manufactured, elastomeric seals which are capable of withstanding multiple heat cycles, up to 200°C.  Maverick brings three decades of materials manufacturing; specifically, for synthesizing, blending, and compounding high-temperature resins for aerospace and medical applications.  Maverick also plans to team with the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) and 3D Systems, both organizations being leaders in additive manufacturing.  This unique collaboration will be key towards the successful development and commercialization of high-temperature, elastomeric, 3D printable seals.