Frequently
Asked
Questions
What materials can the COSM systems work with?
Pretty much any weldable metal. Wire diameters can vary from 25 mil to 40 mil, and we support the following “out of the box”…
Inconel
Tungsten
Aluminum
Will COSM created parts require post-processing / finishing?
Metal AM is a near-net process, so yes, as is the case with all metal additive technology (including powder). The amount of post-processing is dependent on the final application.
What do you mean by “we see things differently”?
The COSM technology uses the e-beam itself for imaging, much as is done in a scanning electron microscope. This not only provides us significantly greater resolution than optical methods, but also allows us to operate seamlessly in the harsh, metal-vapor rich environment that otherwise renders optical systems inoperative.
How does in-space assembly differ from in-space manufacturing?
Assembly is just that… attaching pre-made parts together. An example would be the “Erector Set” style assembly of large in-orbit antenna arrays. Creation of a fresh part from raw materials (wire) would be manufacturing.
Why is wire better for zero-g work?
Powder based AM relies on laying down extremely thin layers of powder and using an energy source to selectively fuse the sections of interest to prior depositions. In zero-g, the powder floats away, whereas wire is held in place.
Is all this data really necessary? We’ve been fine without it so far.
While it’s true that legacy technologies have been effective through post-build inspection or via assumptions made with selective sampling, the clear preference is to have actual point-by-point build data for every voxel of the final product. This information is a “free” byproduct of our process control system, which both eliminates the need for post-build inspection, and it can be used to abort a build if an un-repairable defect is discovered mid-build.
What’s the best way to contact COSM for more dialog?
We welcome queries from media, potential business partners, and customers.