3D printing of military energy materials: Supernova receives order worth millions

The US company Supernova Industries Corp. has received a subcontract worth two million US dollars from the American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation (ACMI). The aim of the project is the additive manufacturing of military energy materials as part of the Critical Chemicals Pilot Program, which is supported by the US Department of Defense. The project aims to strengthen the defense industrial base through innovative manufacturing technologies.

Supernova is utilizing its proprietary Viscous Lithography Manufacturing (VLM) technology for this project. This lithography-based process enables the processing of highly viscous materials that are difficult to use with conventional additive processes. VLM uses transparent films to precisely transfer the materials onto a platform where they are cured using light.

“Supernova is proud to support the U.S. Department of Defense through this program,” said Roger Antunez, Founder and CEO of Supernova. “Our technology has the potential to overcome the design constraints of conventional manufacturing methods to produce the next generation of military-grade energetic material components, including solid rocket motors (SRMs), explosives, and pyrotechnics.”

Unlike traditional processes that rely on low-viscosity resins, VLM allows the integration of high-strength material formulations required for military energy materials. These materials, including solid rocket motors and pyrotechnic components, are essential to national security.

“The technology that Supernova is developing will enable the production of critical components for weapon systems that are essential for national security,” said Victor Boelscher, Head of Federal Programs at ACMI Federal. “ACMI’s Critical Chemicals Pilot Program is designed to support Defense Industrial Base (DIB) resilience by taking commercial solutions and rapidly adapting them for DOD use. Supernova’s innovative technology fits this role, and we are excited to be partnering with them to meet a critical capability for the DOD”.

Military energy materials are characterized by their ability to release large amounts of energy in a short period of time, making them essential for applications such as explosives, rocket propulsion and countermeasure flairs. The VLM technology developed by Supernova promises not only improved consistency and safety of the materials, but also a significant reduction in production waste. With this approach, Supernova is contributing to the further development of additive manufacturing in safety-critical areas.