Northrop Grumman had nine patents in 3D printing during Q1 2024. Northrop Grumman Corp has developed methods for fabricating high-temperature composite structures using additive manufacturing and liquid resin impregnation, eliminating the need for expensive molds and post-processing machining. Additionally, they have patented a method using capillary force lamination for manufacturing high-performance optical absorbers, involving texturizing a base layer and joining a non-woven carbon nanotube sheet to create the absorber. GlobalData’s report on Northrop Grumman gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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Northrop Grumman had no grants in 3D printing as a theme in Q1 2024.
Recent Patents
Application: Additive manufacturing methods for forming high-temperature composite structures and related structures (Patent ID: US20240083823A1)
The patent filed by Northrop Grumman Corp. describes methods for fabricating high-temperature composite structures using additive manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing. The process involves forming precursor structures with filaments drawn from a spool, pyrolyzing the structure to solidify the matrix material, impregnating it with a liquid resin to densify the structure, and then heating it to high temperatures to create near-net final shapes. This method eliminates the need for expensive molds and post-processing machining, allowing for the creation of large, unitary parts suitable for high-temperature environments.
The claims associated with the patent detail the specific steps involved in the fabrication process, including forming the precursor structure, impregnating it with liquid resin, and heating it to specific temperatures. The method allows for the creation of high-temperature carbon-carbon or ceramic matrix composite structures without the use of prefabricated molds. The resulting composite structures are integral, non-porous, and suitable for applications such as rocket nozzles, thermal protection systems, or vehicles designed for high-speed travel. The use of continuous fiber materials embedded in the matrix phase ensures the structural integrity and high-temperature resistance of the final composite structures.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
