Additive Manufacturing

Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is a manufacturing process that builds three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer, based on a digital model. This technology has rapidly developed over the last few decades and has become an important tool for creating complex and intricate shapes that would be difficult or impossible to produce with traditional manufacturing methods.

In additive manufacturing, the digital model of the object is sliced into layers, and then the printer builds the object by depositing material layer by layer. The materials used in additive manufacturing can vary widely, from plastics and metals to ceramics and composites.

One of the key benefits of additive manufacturing is its ability to create complex shapes and structures with high accuracy and precision. This makes it particularly useful for prototyping, as well as for creating parts with intricate geometries, such as turbine blades or medical implants. It can also be used for mass production, although this typically requires specialized equipment and materials.

Our Areas of Expertise in Additive Manufacturing:

Reinforced Composites: Reinforced composites additive manufacturing (AM) technology is a type of 3D printing that involves the use of composite materials to create objects. Reinforced composites are materials that combine two or more different materials to create a new material with improved mechanical properties.

In reinforced composites AM technology, the composite materials are typically formed into filaments or powders and then fed into a 3D printer. The printer then uses a range of techniques, including extrusion or powder bed fusion, to create the object layer by layer.

One of the main benefits of reinforced composites AM technology is the ability to create objects with unique properties that cannot be achieved with traditional manufacturing methods. This includes objects with high strength, stiffness, and durability, as well as objects with specific electrical or thermal properties.

Materials Development and Characterization: Materials development and characterization are important components of advanced manufacturing and engineering. Materials development involves the creation of new materials or the modification of existing materials to improve their properties, while characterization involves the testing and analysis of materials to understand their properties and behavior.

Materials development can involve a range of techniques, including the synthesis of new materials, the modification of existing materials, and the development of composite materials. These materials can be used in a range of applications, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and biomedical devices.

Characterization involves a range of techniques, including mechanical testing, thermal analysis, spectroscopy, and microscopy. These techniques can be used to understand the properties of materials, such as their strength, stiffness, conductivity, and thermal properties. They can also be used to identify defects or imperfections in materials, which can affect their performance or durability.