Unlocking the potential of laser 3D printing with ultrasound

Informazioni relative al progetto

Ultra3DPrint

ID dell’accordo di sovvenzione: 101023970

DOI

10.3030/101023970

Progetto concluso il 25 Febbraio 2023

Data della firma CE 1 Marzo 2021

Data di avvio 1 Settembre 2022

Data di completamento 31 Agosto 2024

Finanziato da

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Costo totale

€ 212 933,76

Contributo UE

€ 212 933,76

Coordinato da

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
United Kingdom

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

Periodo di rendicontazione: 2022-09-01 al 2024-08-31

Sintesi del contesto e degli obiettivi generali del progetto

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.

Lavoro eseguito dall’inizio del progetto fino alla fine del periodo coperto dalla relazione e principali risultati finora ottenuti

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.

Progressi oltre lo stato dell’arte e potenziale impatto previsto (incluso l’impatto socioeconomico e le implicazioni sociali più ampie del progetto fino ad ora)

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.