Five Axis Positioning System for NASA

ADC is developing a 5 axis positioning system device to facilitate research in the area of electron beam free form fabrication in microgravity. This process will be used to create replacement components for isolated equipment from raw material in wire form. Possible applications range from military equipment, to the ISS, to manned exploration of space.

This system will provide a high precision manipulation system with both position and velocity control of the electron gun and substrate. Other requirements for this system include operation in vacuum as well as capacity for dealing with large heat loads from the welding process.