Revolutionizing Manufacture of Spaceflight Components with NASA-STD-6030 and Wire-arc DED

This presentation explores the implementation of NASA-STD-6030 with the first application of this standard in an industrial setting focused on wire-arc Directed Energy Deposition (DED)- based manufacturing. NASA-STD-6030 establishes rigorous guidelines for fabricating spaceflight components, emphasizing quality, reliability, and safety in additive manufacturing processes. Our case study highlights the integration of these standards into existing manufacturing workflows, addressing requirements related to process control, material consistency, and inspection methodologies.

Key activities include qualifying equipment to meet NASA’s specifications, carefully selecting and testing materials to ensure consistency and performance, and rigorously inspecting and testing production parts. These accomplishments establish an aluminum material property database and production-ready processes for spaceflight components.

This presentation aims to provide valuable insights for industry professionals seeking an alternative supply chain source for their spaceflight components, ultimately contributing to the advancement of additive manufacturing in critical applications.