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Spinoff story
Rocket Manufacturing Meets Science Friction
A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.
About this technology
Overview
SBIR funding from Langley Research Center let a team from Aeroprobe Corporation try out additive friction stir deposition, a new method for 3D printing with metal. The work demonstrated the concept, proved some of its advantages, and started honing the technology. In 2018, MELD Manufacturing Corporation of Christiansburg, Virginia, spun off from Aeroprobe to start selling its line of printers.