NASA's Glenn Research Center has developed GRX-810, a groundbreaking 3D-printable superalloy designed to withstand extreme temperatures and demanding operational environments, promising a significant leap in aerospace component performance and longevity. This advanced material can endure temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1,093 degrees Celsius) and boasts double the strength and over 1,000 times the durability of current state-of-the-art alloys. The alloy's development, a result of combining computational modeling with advanced laser-based 3D printing, allows for precise control over its composition and microstructure, leading to its superior capabilities.
In May 2024, NASA initiated commercialization efforts by entering into licensing agreements with four American companies: Carpenter Technology Corporation, Elementum 3D, Inc., Linde Advanced Material Technologies, Inc., and Powder Alloy Corporation. These companies are now empowered to manufacture and distribute GRX-810 for critical aerospace applications, including liquid rocket engine injectors, combustors, and turbines, components subjected to intense thermal stress. GRX-810's ability to handle rapid temperature fluctuations, from near freezing to thousands of degrees Fahrenheit within seconds, is particularly vital for applications like rocket engines, enhancing performance, reusability, and cost-effectiveness. Recognized as NASA's Commercial Invention of the Year, GRX-810 represents a foundational shift in aerospace manufacturing, aligning with advanced manufacturing trends like 3D printing for complex geometries and reduced material waste.