TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Precision and Speed: Revolutionizing Process Prediction in Advanced Manufacturing

Active

Contract Opportunity

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 further develop and commercialize its Precision and Speed: Revolutionizing Process Prediction in Advanced Manufacturing.

Background:

Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is hindered by inconsistencies in process outcomes due to variability in materials and methods, which can result in defects and inefficiencies. The current state of the art includes Single Input Single Output (SISO) systems, which are fast enough for real-time use but often lack accuracy due to their simplistic approach. In contrast, Finite Element Modeling (FEM) offers detailed simulations that capture the full complexity of the manufacturing process but are too computationally intensive for real-time application. These limitations highlight the need for improvements such as the development of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) systems that can handle complex data for accurate, real-time predictions. Additionally, integrating advanced sensor arrays could enhance data collection, improving model accuracy. A hybrid approach that combines the speed of SISO with the accuracy of FEM could provide a balanced and efficient solution, potentially expanding the application of additive manufacturing in industries requiring high precision, such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare.

Description:

This invention addresses the critical challenge of achieving consistent results in additive manufacturing by introducing a novel system that integrates a comprehensive array of sensors into the manufacturing process. These sensors gather multiple data streams, which are then used to construct a detailed model of the system. The key innovation is its ability to handle MIMO while maintaining real-time processing capabilities. This allows for a more accurate and responsive control system compared to traditional SISO methods, which often fail to capture the full complexity of the manufacturing process.

By employing a data-driven approach, the invention adapts to changes in the manufacturing environment, enhancing accuracy and consistency. It bridges the gap between the quick but error-prone SISO systems and the accurate but computationally intensive FEM approaches. This real-time, MIMO-capable system ensures more reliable and repeatable outcomes, improving product quality, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency. Overall, this invention represents a significant advancement in additive manufacturing, offering substantial economic and operational benefits by overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.

Advantages/Benefits:

This invention offers significant advantages over existing additive manufacturing solutions by integrating a MIMO system that provides faster and more accurate processing capabilities. Unlike traditional FEM approaches, which are accurate but slow, this system operates in real-time, allowing for immediate adjustments and reducing downtime. The MIMO system captures complex interactions between multiple variables, offering a comprehensive view of the manufacturing process and leading to fewer errors compared to SISO systems. This adaptability ensures high levels of accuracy and consistency, even in dynamic manufacturing environments where conditions can change rapidly.

The primary value proposition of this invention lies in its ability to deliver consistent, high-quality results, which translates into reduced waste, improved product quality, and enhanced operational efficiency. These benefits lead to significant cost savings and competitive advantages for manufacturers. The expected drivers of adoption include economic efficiency, as the system lowers production costs, and quality assurance, as it ensures the production of reliable and precise products. Additionally, the system's scalability and adaptability make it suitable for a wide range of manufacturing environments, from small-scale operations to large industrial settings. The MIMO capability is crucial as it allows the system to handle complex interactions in real-time, ensuring a robust and reliable manufacturing process that is attractive to various industries.

Potential Applications:

• Aerospace Manufacturing:
  
  
  
  
  • Precision parts production where high accuracy and material integrity are critical.
  
  
  • Rapid prototyping of complex components to reduce development time.
  
  
  
  


• Automotive Industry:
  
  
  
  • Production of lightweight, high-strength components to improve fuel efficiency.
  
  
  • Customization of parts for high-performance vehicles.
  
  
  
  


• Medical Devices:
  
  
  
  • Manufacturing of patient-specific implants and prosthetics with precise anatomical fit.
  
  
  • Production of complex surgical instruments with intricate designs.
  
  
  
  


• Consumer Electronics:
  
  
  
  • Fabrication of intricate components for smartphones and wearable devices.
  
  
  • Rapid prototyping for new product development and testing.
  
  
  
  


• Industrial Machinery:
  
  
  
  • Production of durable, custom parts for machinery and equipment.
  
  
  • On-demand manufacturing of replacement parts to minimize downtime.
  
  
  
  


• Construction and Architecture:
  
  
  
  • Creation of complex structural components and architectural models.
  
  
  • Production of customized building materials for unique design projects.
  
  
  
  


• Defense and Military:
  
  
  
  • Manufacturing of specialized equipment and components for defense applications.
  
  
  • Rapid prototyping and testing of new military technologies.
  
  
  
  


• Energy Sector:
  
  
  
  • Production of components for renewable energy systems, such as wind turbines and solar panels.
  
  
  • Manufacturing of parts for oil and gas exploration and extraction equipment.
  
  
  
  

Development Status:

Current stage of technology development: TRL ☒ 0-2 ☐ 3-5 ☐ 5-9

LLNL has filed for patent protection on this invention.

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

Precision and Speed: Revolutionizing Process Prediction in Advanced Manufacturing

should provide an electronic OR 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.

Please provide a complete electronic OR written statement to ensure consideration of your interest in Precision and Speed: Revolutionizing Process Prediction in Advanced Manufacturing.

The subject heading in an email response should include the Notice ID and/or the title of LLNL’s Technology/Business Opportunity and directed to the Primary and Secondary Point of Contacts listed below.

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-13983

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