# TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Active Self-Releasing Molds for Casting of Complex Parts Canonical: https://abierto.us/opportunities/il13841 - Solicitation number: IL-13841 - Notice type: Special notice - Status: Closed. Deadline was February 23, 2024 at 3:00 PM EST - Department: Department of Energy - Contracting office: LLNS – DOE Contractor (899011) - NAICS: 333248 All Other Industrial Machinery Manufacturing - Place of performance: Livermore, California - County: Alameda County (FIPS 06001). https://abierto.us/counties/alameda-county-ca-06001 - City: Livermore. https://abierto.us/cities/livermore-ca-0641992 - First posted: January 23, 2024 - Last posted: January 23, 2024 - SAM.gov: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/088f36158e6c4ce2b9be325d472c9132/view ## Description Opportunity Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration or to license to further develop its active self-releasing molds for casting of complex parts. Background Liquid Crystal Elastomers (LCE) combine the properties of liquid crystals (characteristic orientational order that can self-organize) with polymer networks (rubbery elasticity). This combination enables LCEs to exhibit a reversible shape memory effect that can be triggered by external stimuli, which makes the material promising for artificial muscles and wearable devices. With the development of innovative inks and advanced manufacturing, LLNL researchers realized another potential application is using the material for printing of complex 3D casting molds. The printed molds are programmed to be a specific shape and then self-release upon curing of the material by a change in temperature, light or electric field. Description LLNL researchers developed novel workflows where material is first cast into the LCE molds at room temperature. Upon curing, the mold is induced to expand or contract (change shape) by external stimuli (light, heat, solvent) to self-release. A reduction to practice example used silica-loaded silicone ink casted into a LCE cylinder mold. It was cured at 100°C, and self-released from the LCE mold upon removal from the oven into an environment at ambient temperature. **Advantages/Benefits:** **Value Proposition:** Reduced manufacturing costs for cast materials that require minimal handling. Ideal for optics and manufacturing with low dexterity robotics Potential Applications Reversible and repeatable 3D-to-3D shape change Adaptive optics Tunable stiffness architectures Cellular fluidics Stimuli-responsive transducer Development Status: Current stage of technology development: TRL 3 LLNL has filed for patent protection on this invention. LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information. Please visit the IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process. **Note:** THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT. Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's active self-releasing molds should provide an electronic OR written statement of interest, which includes the following: Company Name and address. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact. A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology. Please provide a complete electronic OR written statement to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's active self-releasing molds for casting of complex parts. The subject heading in an email response should include the Notice ID and/or the title of LLNL’s Technology/Business Opportunity and directed to the Primary and Secondary Point of Contacts listed below. Written responses should be directed to: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Innovation and Partnerships Office P.O. **Box 808, L-779 Livermore, CA 94551-0808 Attention:** IL-13841 ## Publications - January 23, 2024: Special notice, due February 23, 2024 at 3:00 PM EST. Notice 088f36158e6c4ce2b9be325d472c9132. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/088f36158e6c4ce2b9be325d472c9132/view ## Points of contact - Genaro Mempin, mempin1@llnl.gov, 9254231121 - Charlotte Eng, eng23@llnl.gov, 9254221905 --- Source: SAM.gov Contract Opportunities bulk extract. Confirm deadlines on SAM.gov before responding. Cite https://abierto.us/opportunities/il13841.