New Mexico-based Optomec, a leading global supplier of production grade additive manufacturing (AM) systems for 3D printed metals and 3D printed electronics, has been awarded, alongside partners Lockheed Martin and GE, a USD $3 million NextFlex project dedicated to flexible hybrid electronics (FHE).
As part of the project, Optomec will provide 3D printers in the form of the Aerosol Jet 5x systems to the NextFlex Technology Hub in San Jose, California and in New York.
Optomec has already showcased, through its aerosol jet technology, the ability to 3D print electronic sensors onto a gas turbine blade for GE. Using a temperature resistant ceramic material, Optomec created a turbine blade that could detect deformities in its metal structure and potentially mitigate critical failure of the gas turbine.