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TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY

Fabrication of Complex Microchannels using Co-Sintering

A hybrid co-sintering process with 3D printing and chemical processing allows for superior microstructural control, simplified component processing, and novel coatings control in embedded microchannels.

Opportunity: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), managed and operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), is offering the opportunity to enter into a license and/or collaborative research agreement to commercialize this new process for the fabrication of complex microchannels using co-sintering. 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.

Description: This technology is a hybrid co-sintering process that combines 3D printing and chemical processing to create complex microchannels. It uses 3D-printed shape-holders made of glass/ceramic to form topologically optimized cooling paths and chemical compounds for the dissolution of the shape-holders and selective dissolution and extraction of metals and oxides within the microchannels. The process uses digital light processing (DLP) stereolithography to produce parts with good surface quality, high resolution, and dimensional precision. The technology is energy efficient and environmentally safe and can be used for aerospace and land-based power turbine manufacturers. 3D printing allows for custom-optimized shape-holder configurations, and the process provides for the controlled deposition of functional coatings within the microchannels.

Benefits:

• Superior microstructural control


• Simplified component processing


• Novel coatings control


• Using high-resolution glass/ceramic 3D printing critically enhances design optimization and design-for-manufacture

Applications:

• Component manufacturing produces metallic or cermet parts with embedded microchannels.


• Aerospace and land-based power turbine manufacturing

Development Status: TRL 3, technology is undergoing proof-of-concept work.

IP Status: Provisional Patent Application No. 63/380,458, “Methods of Forming Articles by Additive Manufacturing and Sintering, and Related Articles,” BEA Docket No. BA-1329.

INL is seeking 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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