TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Ultrasound-Induced Additive Manufacturing of Polymers and Composites

Opportunity:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration to commercialize its ultrasound additive manufacturing (AM) technology.

Background:

Current vat photopolymerization additive manufacturing (AM) processes require extensive efforts to formulate resins that are suitable for the light source and to match the refractive indices of any additive to that of the resin.  In some cases, the use of UV-based polymerization may not be compatible or may require complex formulations.  To overcome these challenges, ultrasound could be utilized to initiate and control polymerization in the vat rather than light (or heat).

Description:

This novel AM approach utilizes cavitation bubbles generated within liquid resin by ultrasonic energy that trigger, induce, or catalyze a polymerization process (3D Ultrasound Polymerization). Ultrasound may be generated by piezoelectric transducers or high-power lasers and by modulating the ultrasound wave (frequency and amplitude), the cavitation site could be directed.

Advantages/Benefits: 

• Faster polymerization process -> higher throughput
• Simpler resin formulations -> method does not require photo or thermal initiators
• Broad range of feedstock materials (i.e. dark, opaque, cloudy solutions) -> unlike light-based AM, this ultrasound AM method does not require optically transparent resin or additives; method is agnostic to refractive index of light
• Can complement existing AM processes
• May also enable microencapsulation -> alternative to UV curing or heat chamber

Potential Applications: 

• 3D printing of non-transparent glass, ceramics, and other composites.
• Microencapsulation to form composite materials

Development Status: 

LLNL has filed for patent protection on this invention.

Current stage of technology development:  TRL 3

LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information. 

Please visit the IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process.

Note:  THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT.  Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's ultrasound additive manufacturing (AM) technology should provide a written statement of interest, which includes the following:

1.         Company Name and address.

2.         The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact.

3.         A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology.

Written responses should be directed to:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Innovation and Partnerships Office

P.O. Box 808, L-779

Livermore, CA  94551-0808

Attention:   IL-13706

Please provide your written statement within thirty (30) days from the date this announcement is published to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's ultrasound additive manufacturing (AM) technology.