NASA Update: Master Class, Alloys, AI & the Future Engineering Generations
Paul Gradl, Principal Engineer at NASA, discusses the expansion of additive manufacturing materials, highlighting high-performance alloys like GR COP and GRX 810 developed for extreme environments and now used in semiconductors and energy. He explains how AI and modeling are accelerating alloy development, while NASA shares public data to help the industry overcome qualification challenges. Gradl also details the scaling of large-scale parts via Directed Energy Deposition (DED), the role of additive in space infrastructure including lunar regolith printing, and a recent test stand failure that underscored the importance of understanding process sensitivities like build interruptions.