This NASA SBIR Phase I proposal presents an unprecedented precision laser 3D manufacturing system including additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing and athermal welding, by using a pulsed fiber laser and real time sensing and feedback control. It is the enabling technology for manufacturing high precision telescope structures with sub-micron precision. With our successful history in laser 3D manufacturing, this proposal has a great potential to succeed. A proof of concept demonstration will be carried out and samples will be delivered at the end of Phase 1. Prototypes in compliant with the NASA large telescope system requirement will be delivered at the end of Phase II.
In addition to NASA’s telescope components manufacturing, the proposed pulsed laser 3D manufacturing process can also be used in other applications, such as space vehicle, aircraft, and satellite manufacturing. PolarOnyx will develop a series of products to meet various requirements for commercial/military deployments.