SINTX Technologies, a leading manufacturer and developer of advanced ceramic materials and related technologies, has recently announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Technology Assessment and Transfer, has been selected by AFWERX for a 3-month, $75,000 phase I Small Business Innovation Research contract. The contract aims to address the challenges associated with the sinterability of complex-shaped 3D printed silicon nitride, Si3N4, focusing on propulsion and guidance technology for next-generation high-temperature Department of the Air Force systems.
The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have joined forces to streamline the SBIR and STTR process, accelerating the small business experience. Through this partnership, TA&T will expand its ability to create and provide innovative capabilities that strengthen the defense of the United States of America. If successful, TA&T/SINTX will attempt to leverage this work into an AFWERX phase II contract, potentially worth up to $1.25M over 21 months.
Silicon nitride possesses highly attractive mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties, making it suitable for use in aero-engine and microwave-frequency aperture applications. The latter is a strategic focus area across the SINTX family of companies. TA&T/SINTX's past projects in printing all-ceramic microwave polarization converters, current IR&D in compositional development for RF, plans for a future SBIR effort in compositional development for RF, and the development of industrial partnerships for RF, all converge on the goal of entering the RF market.
The current effort addresses the challenges faced by the industry in producing real silicon nitride parts that meet application-specific performance and repeatability, despite significant activity in 3D printing complex shapes of silicon nitride. 3D printing silicon nitride presents unique technical challenges compared to other technical ceramics, such as aluminum oxide, not only in the printing process but also in the complicated thermal processing required after printing, especially in the sintering step, where the material is consolidated into a high-density shape. SINTX is uniquely positioned within this industry due to the company's decades of experience with the silicon nitride material family and TA&T's deep expertise in ceramic 3D printing.
David O'Brien, EVP and COO of SINTX, commented on the company's expansion and the significance of the SBIR award, stating, "For over 15 years, SINTX has been the world-leader in the manufacturing and supply of silicon nitride components for spinal fusion devices. Beginning in 2018, we expanded our focus to address the broader technical ceramics market, including aerospace, defense, and energy applications. The 2022 acquisition of TA&T in Maryland brought into our portfolio over 25 years of ceramic additive manufacturing experience, and this SBIR award is just one example of our united team working together to develop novel solutions to longstanding industry challenges."
