3695--Expandable Foam 3D Printing (VA-22-00097250)

This contract aims to significantly expand advanced manufacturing technology and material offerings within VHA. Specifically, this contract will support the development, testing and manufacturing of soft goods out of a proprietary material known as Free Foam (DuraChain Resin XTR-50), which allows for volume production of goods such as seat cushions, mattresses and patient positioning devices at the Point of Care. This material and the printers that utilize it will allow VA to explore a new version of manufacturing through expandable resins that can make products at a fraction of their final size, minimizing storage and warehousing needs. This work will drive VHA innovations in both logistics and volume-based manufacturing at the point of care.

The contractor shall provide:

Printable formulations, including photopolymer resins that produce dimensionally accurate closed cell foam parts using 3D printing technology (digital light processing)

Equipment, software, and maintenance service required to manufacture expandable 3D printed parts out of Free Foam materials

Product development, technical, engineering, and scientific support related to point of care manufacturing using Free Foam

Remote Technical support for manufacturing optimization within the hospital

On site contractor support for product development and manufacturing using 3D printers at the point of care in VHA medical centers

Processes to ensure reproducibility of all required activities to deliver safe and effective medical products meeting all regulatory VA quality requirements

On-site technical training and guidance at VA camp Awarded contract 36C10X22C0053 to DESKTOP METAL OPERATING, INC. for 2022040.00000000 on 2022-09-26.