Corrugated 3D printing process for lightweight stiff
This technology is a method for 3D printing objects that incorporate corrugated (wavy or ridged) layers rather than flat ones. By rotating and orienting each corrugated layer at different angles along its length, the printed object achieves greater height in the build direction than conventional flat-layer printing would allow with the same amount of material. The corrugations are maintained at a consistent cross-sectional area throughout, meaning material usage is predictable and uniform. The result is a printed structure that is inherently stiffer and potentially lighter than a solid or flat-layered equivalent — similar to why corrugated cardboard outperforms flat sheets.
What you could build
A specialized 3D printing process or software add-on for producing lightweight, high-stiffness structural components — such as packaging inserts, aerospace brackets, or protective housings — that could be sold to industrial manufacturers or aerospace and defense suppliers seeking better strength-to-weight ratios from additive manufacturing.
Who in Virginia should care
Defense and aerospace contractors in Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads corridor, as well as shipbuilding and naval supply chain companies, would have interest in lightweight structural components produced via additive manufacturing.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- BROOK KENNEDY, EDWARD OLIN COE
- Granted
- June 10, 2025
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 12325208
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.