The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Additively Manufactured Polymer Tooling for Rubber Compression Molding" as part of their SBIR 24.1 BAA program. The Navy branch is specifically interested in developing an additive manufacturing (AM) technology that can rapidly create high strength, high temperature, and low-cost polymer tooling for use in rubber compression molding applications.
Rubber compression molding is a common manufacturing process for making rubber products, and the Navy currently uses steel tooling for this process. However, steel tooling can be costly and time-consuming to produce. The Navy is looking to leverage advances in AM and new high-temperature polymers to replace steel molds with AM polymer molds, which could significantly reduce costs and lead times.
The Navy is seeking an AM solution that can meet specific performance goals, such as dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, durability, and longevity. The proposed polymer materials can be thermoplastics, thermosets, composite reinforced, photopolymer, or other novel materials, as long as they are non-hazardous. The printed inserts will be used in a metal master unit die (MUD) frame.
The project will be conducted in three phases. Phase I involves developing a concept for an AM process and demonstrating its feasibility through modeling or simulation. Phase II focuses on developing and delivering an AM prototype that meets the Navy's requirements, including the production of at least five prototype mold inserts for evaluation. In Phase III, the knowledge gained from Phase II will be used to develop a complete turnkey AM system capable of producing polymer inserts suitable for rubber compression molding. The system will be implemented within Navy production spaces and used to support the production of undersea sensor components.
The project duration and funding specifics are not provided in the document. For more information and to submit a proposal, interested parties can visit the SBIR topic link (https://www.sbir.gov/node/2479785) or the solicitation agency URL (https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/).