MIL-PRF-85285 Capable “Controlled-Spray” Head for Automated Stenciling of Aircraft Markings

The objective is to develop a MIL-PRF-85285 topcoat capable, high accuracy printing head to allow for the implementation of robotic multi-color, alpha-numeric characters, symbols, and graphic capabilities for aircraft markings. Ross-Hime Designs, Inc. (RHD) has practical, proven experience in producing graphic images using highly viscous paint on tactical surfaces. While at Sperry Corporation RHD’s principle investigator invented a practical technique to apply highly viscous ceramic paint to ceramic circuit boards that immediately went into production. RHD's spray finishing robotic wrist, the Omni-Wrist has been used on industrial robots. This practical, real world experience is being applied to the Air Forces problem. The concept of drawing with paint, rather than spraying through a mask or stencil is fundamental to this proposal. Overspray is eliminated and enormous material savings results. A wide range of fonts, font sizes, colors and graphic capabilities including arrows, frames, logos, cautionary labels, and indeed any graphic image is possible. Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components are extensively to reduce cost and improve logistical support.