NASA licenses 3D-printable superalloy to benefit the US economy

NASA‘s investment in a ground-breaking superalloy developed for the extreme temperatures and harsh conditions of aerospace is about to pay off commercially. The US agency is granting licenses for its invention, called “GRX-810”, to four American companies.

NASA has licensed GRX-810 to four US companies: Carpenter Technology Corporation (Reading, Pennsylvania), Elementum 3D, Inc (Erie, Colorado), Linde Advanced Material Technologies, Inc (Indianapolis) and Powder Alloy Corporation (Loveland, Ohio). These companies will produce the alloy and market it to aircraft and rocket equipment manufacturers and the entire supply chain.

“NASA invests tax dollars into research that demonstrates direct benefit to the U.S. and transfers its technologies to industry by licensing its patents,” said Amy Hiltabidel, licensing manager at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.

GRX-810 was developed for aerospace applications such as liquid rocket injectors, combustion chambers, turbines and components that must withstand temperatures in excess of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 1,093 degrees Celsius).

“GRX-810 represents a new alloy design space and manufacturing technique that was impossible a few years ago,” said Dr. Tim Smith, materials researcher at NASA Glenn.

Smith and his colleague Christopher Kantzos developed the superalloy using computer modeling and laser 3D printing. By incorporating tiny particles with oxygen atoms, the strength of the alloy is improved.

Compared to other nickel-based alloys, GRX-810 can withstand higher temperatures and stresses and has a service life that is up to 2,500 times longer. The alloy is also almost four times more flexible and twice as resistant to oxidation damage.

“Adoption of this alloy will lead to more sustainable aviation and space exploration,” said Dale Hopkins, deputy project manager of NASA’s Transformational Tools and Technologies project. “This is because jet engine and rocket components made from GRX-810 will lower operating costs by lasting longer and improving overall fuel efficiency.”

GRX-810 was developed in collaboration with NASA’s Ames Research Center, Ohio State University and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Current tests include 3D-printed rocket engine parts. NASA has already licensed over 2,000 technologies to companies to develop products and solutions that support the American economy.

The development and licensing of GRX-810 demonstrates how NASA research and innovation can not only address the challenges of spaceflight, but also bring direct economic benefits to the United States.