Development Builds for Low Overhang Turbine Blades with Minimal Dross and Supports

Background
NASA/NSSC has a requirement for Development Builds for Low Overhang Turbine Blades with Minimal Dross and Supports. The contract is intended to be issued as a sole source to ELEMENTUM 3D, INC., which has been determined to be the sole provider for these specific manufacturing needs.

This effort is crucial for the development of test hardware for the turbopump in the InRoDES rotating detonation rocket engine development and test program.

Work Details
The vendor shall perform precision laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing of turbine blades with minimal to no dross formation on low overhang surfaces, and minimal or no contact supports for an Inconel 718 turbine wheel and shaft component. Specific tasks include:

1. Provide seven build plates of Low Overhang DOE samples with Inconel 718, utilizing hatch parameter variation to minimize dross formation and improve surface finish.
2. Provide three build plates of Low Overhang DOE samples with solid supports and supportless structures on turbine blade surfaces.
3. Provide one build plate of turbine blade and shaft with optimized parameters for surface finish and minimal dross, including tensile bars and metallurgical witness bars.
4. Provide two build plates with two final parts each using optimal print parameters.
5. Meet with MSFC prior to builds to review layout and models.
6. Manufacture parts per NASA-MSFC drawing MC34120-003 using SLM Solutions 280 machine, ensuring no different machines are used for consistency.
7. Notify NASA of any manufacturing errors or issues when switching powders between builds.
8. Ensure no build interruptions occur for final parts, notify NASA of deviations or nonconformance, and provide a final Build report along with traceability documentation.

Period of Performance
July 2026 through November 2026.

Place of Performance
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Huntsville, AL.

Bidder Requirements
The vendor must have experience in precision laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing, specifically with Inconel 718 alloy using SLM Solutions equipment. They must also be able to provide detailed documentation regarding manufacturing processes, including traceability logs and reports on any deviations or nonconformance.