Unlocking the potential of laser 3D printing with ultrasound

Información del proyecto

Ultra3DPrint

Identificador del acuerdo de subvención: 101023970

DOI

10.3030/101023970

Proyecto finalizado el 25 Febrero 2023

Fecha de la firma de la CE 1 Marzo 2021

Fecha de inicio 1 Septiembre 2022

Fecha de finalización 31 Agosto 2024

Financiado con arreglo a

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Coste total

€ 212 933,76

Aportación de la UE

€ 212 933,76

Coordinado por

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
United Kingdom

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Ultra3DPrint (Unlocking the potential of laser 3D printing with ultrasound)

Período documentado: 2022-09-01 hasta 2024-08-31

Resumen del contexto y de los objetivos generales del proyecto

A key barrier to metal 3D printing in the industry is the large crystals and voids that occur in most printed products, affecting their serviceability. Recently, a method of introducing high-frequency sound waves into metal products during printing has shown promise to control the formation of crystals and voids. This research will employ advanced modelling and synchrotron x-ray imaging techniques to fully understand the 3D printing of metals assisted by sound waves. Such an understanding would help to position 3D printing as a competitive technology to produce high-quality and reliable metal products.

Trabajo realizado desde el comienzo del proyecto hasta el final del período abarcado por el informe y los principales resultados hasta la fecha

The fellow has designed bespoke ultrasound equipment for implementation into an x-ray imaging system for in situ x-ray imaging of the melt pool in ultrasound-assisted laser 3D printing. The fellow has outsourced the manufacturing of the ultrasound system to a German-based company Sonic Power GmbH CO & KG.

Avances que van más allá del estado de la técnica e impacto potencial esperado (incluida la repercusión socioeconómica y las implicaciones sociales más amplias del proyecto hasta la fecha)

A competitive manufacturing sector in the European Union (EU) is vital for job creation and economic growth in the region. However, low-cost developing countries are challenging the competitiveness of EU manufacturing industries. The European Commission (EC) has identified 3D printing as a Key Enabling Technology that is expected to produce high-value-added products across all major industrial sectors, including aeronautics, automotive, biomedical, construction, space, and many others. Further, the EC has deemed that 3D printing is likely to create skilled jobs and local manufacturing, presenting an opportunity to bring outsourcing jobs back to Europe.

Overall view of the experimental setup and the analyses method.