Slip Cast Spinel for Near-net Shaped Conformal Sensor Window Manufacturing Navy SBIR FY2015.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2015.2 Topic No.: N152-104 Topic Title: Slip Cast Spinel for Near-net Shaped Conformal Sensor Window Manufacturing Proposal No.: N152-104-0481 Firm: Technology Assessment & Transfer, Inc. 133 Defense Highway, Suite 212 Annapolis, Maryland 21401 Contact: Jeffrey Kutsch Phone: (410) 987-1656 Abstract: Technology Assessment & Transfer, Inc. (TA&T) proposes a slip casting process to manufacture near-net shaped conformal spinel electro-optic windows. Slip casting is a �wet� process that enables fabrication of very homogeneous and high green density components. A homogeneous green structure creates very predictable shrinkage characteristics which are desirable for near-net shape manufacturing of complex curved, conformal windows. During this Phase I program, TA&T will demonstrate the feasibility of this approach by fabricating two toroid shaped spinel optical blanks which meet predetermined dimensional measurements. These samples will be cored to characterize the optical properties in the visible and mid-IR wavelengths. Benefits: Slip cast spinel components have commercial applications in the defense and scientific communities. Parts produced with this technique will lower finishing cost, which often are higher than the cost of the blank itself. Immediate applications include sensor windows for reconnaissance pods (ATFLIR, Sniper XR) as well as sight glass for high temperature and pressure processes. Return