Second Runner Up: Georgia Institute of Technology/RPMI
Title: “A
Stereolithography Fabricated Microwave Dielectric Lens for Land
Mine Detection”
The RPMI at Georgia Tech used stereolithography to fabricate
two microwave dielectric focusing lens for use in a prototype
land mine detection system.
The benefits
of stereolithography to the project were several, with the
primary benefit being the ability of the SLA® system
to fabricate complex geometries with ease. Also, to produce
these parts using traditional methods would have required a
six-axis machining center to produce the matched surface lens.
Since six-axis machining centers are not common, parts made
on those systems are very costly. The SLA system turnaround
time was quick enough and the cost low enough that the attempt
could be made without impacting the project schedule.
The first steps toward commercializing this technology and
placing it in active military service are well underway.
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