Oerlikon AM has donated a steel 3D printer to the Division of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science at UNC Charlotte’s William States Lee School of Engineering. The tools, an M280 laser powder mattress fusion system made by Germany’s EOS GmbH, is a commercial-grade 3D printer that makes use of powdered steel feedstock. This industrial machine is comparable in measurement to a minivan and is designed for manufacturing elements the place energy, precision, and sturdiness are required.
“We acknowledge the crucial position of additive manufacturing in American trade,” mentioned Luke Dee, Oerlikon AM’s Course of Engineering Supervisor. “UNC Charlotte’s engineering faculty might be a pivotal analysis useful resource as we proceed to steer the expertise ahead.” The donation positions each the corporate and the faculty to extend their management within the increasing additive manufacturing trade.
The M280 system might be managed by Jaime Berez, assistant professor of mechanical engineering with experience in additive manufacturing. “This manufacturing tools permits us to conduct analysis that’s related to the present wants of trade,” mentioned Berez. “These machines can course of alloys that may stand up to the high-temperature combustion atmosphere of a jet engine, in addition to alloys that may stay chemically inert and protected for biomedical gadgets.”
Steel additive manufacturing presents a number of benefits over conventional manufacturing strategies. The expertise reduces materials waste and reduces lead time whereas enabling complicated part designs. It permits for the consolidation of a number of elements throughout the printing stage relatively than throughout meeting, and might produce high-quality geometries that optimize efficiency.
Berez is presently researching the well being monitoring and efficiency testing of AM machines. “The aim is extra repeatable and reliable tools and processes when producing elements such because the turbine blades in fuel turbine energy mills,” he defined. The tools requires a managed atmosphere that displays humidity and limits vibrations, which the engineering faculty has offered in a specialised lab area.
Oerlikon AM US, Inc., the American headquarters of the Swiss company, relies in Huntersville, North Carolina. The corporate offers steel additive manufacturing options for creating lighter weight, extra sturdy elements whereas optimizing manufacturing by minimizing waste and bettering part reliability. Their companies embody steel powders, part manufacturing, and superior floor remedies.
Supply: engr.charlotte.edu
