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Contract Opportunity

TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY

In-House Laser Atomization Solution for Directed Energy Deposition Machines

Revolutionize additive manufacturing capabilities with an innovative in-house laser atomization solution, allowing the creation of custom powder feedstock from various alloys within existing DED machines.

Opportunity: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), managed and operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), offers the opportunity to explore a license and/or collaborative research agreement to commercialize this in-house laser atomization solution. This technology transfer opportunity is part of a dedicated effort to convert government-funded research into job opportunities, businesses, and, ultimately, an improved way of life for the American people.

Overview: Additive manufacturing (AM) processes rely on high-quality powder as feedstock, especially directed-energy deposition (DED) machines. However, the limited variety and high cost of producing such powders restrict the scope of research and applications in the industry. This invention addresses this issue by enabling users to create custom powder feedstock within their existing DED machines.

Description: This laser atomization solution integrates seamlessly into commercially available DED machines, utilizing the machine's energy source to melt target alloys. Depending on the desired powder characteristics, various mechanical atomization methods, such as centrifugal or ultrasonic vibration, can be applied to this process. This innovative approach provides an accessible and cost-effective way to produce custom powder in-house.

By implementing this laser atomization solution, customers can fabricate their powder more efficiently and at a lower cost. This unlocks new research and manufacturing opportunities previously hindered by limitations in the powder supply chain, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in additive manufacturing.

Benefits:

• Utilizes existing infrastructure, reducing the need for additional investment.

• Enables cost-effective in-house production of custom powder feedstock.

• Expands research capabilities by offering a more comprehensive range of alloys.

• Increases efficiency and flexibility in the manufacturing process.

• Promotes the advancement of metal additive manufacturing.

Applications:

• Industry manufacturers using powder-based additive manufacturing.

• DED equipment manufacturers

Development Status: TRL 2: early-stage concept.

INL seeks to license the above intellectual property to a company with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Exclusive rights in defined fields of use may be available. Added value is placed on relationships with small businesses, start-up companies, and general entrepreneurship opportunities.

Please visit Technology Deployment’s website at https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/technology-deployment for more information on working with INL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process.

Companies interested in learning more about this licensing opportunity should contact Andrew Rankin at td@inl.gov.

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