NASA developed Laser Wire Direct Closeout (LWDC), new 3D printing process for building rocket nozzles that must withstand high temperatures, faster and for less cost

Briefing

NASA developed Laser Wire Direct Closeout (LWDC), new 3D printing process for building rocket nozzles that must withstand high temperatures, faster and for less cost

April 2, 2018

Briefing
  • Laser Wire Direct Closeout (LWDC) – NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama's new additive manufacturing process uses laser and metal wire, lowering rocket nozzle manufacturing costs and reducing production time from months to weeks
  • Built to Withstand High Temperatures – Nozzle underwent hot-fire testing, surviving more than 1,040 seconds of high combustion pressure
  • Patenting and Licensing – LWDC process patented and being licensed to industry for commercial applications
  • Other Advanced Manufacturing Technologies – NASA also developed two other advanced manufacturing techniques – abrasive water jet milling processing technology and arc-based deposition – to build better rocket nozzles

Accelerator
3D Printing, Space Commercialization

Sector
Government (excluding military)

Organization
NASA

Source

Original Publication Date
March 19, 2018

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