Project Title:

Stabilized Electromagnetic Levitator

15.01-1772
NAS8-38468
Stabilized Electromagnetic Levitator
Intersonics, Inc.
	3453 Commercial Avenue
	Northbrook, IL 60062
		Robert Schiffman
(312-272-1772)

Abstract:

	This project will develop a novel, combined electromagnetic levitator-positioner
and heater for commercial materials-processing in a non-contact environment. The
stabilized electromagnetic levitator (SEL) is a 3-axis system that will provide stable
levitation and positioning of a wide variety of materials. The use of compact, broadband
power amplifiers with an optimized coil design will allow efficient transmission
of power to both the coils and the work-piece and permit independent control of heating,
positioning, and spin. This design is well-suited to containerless studies of metal
and metallic alloy systems, certain glasses and ceramics, and high-purity electronic
and semiconductor materials. The SEL is uniquely suited for Earth-based and space-based
processing of technologically or strategically significant materials. This is due
to: efficient power utilization, optimization of conditions for positioning and heating,
operations utilizing various atmospheres from vacuum to high pressure, and open access
for process-control instrumentation.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications: The results of designing, building, and characterizing
a first-generation SEL will determine its potential applications for space-based
and Earth-based manufacturing.