High Shear Continuous Deposition Without Solid-Liquid-Solid Phase Changes
THE PROBLEM
As manufacturing moves further away from subtractive methods and into additive procedures such as 3D printing, significant players in critical industries like aerospace, automotive, nuclear, and defense seek processes that yield higher quality products at lower costs in shorter timeframes. Due to the vast array of additive manufacturing processes based on materials types, there is an excellent opportunity to improve techniques by eliminating the need for phase changes to the feedstock.
OUR SOLUTION
Researchers at The University of Alabama have developed a method to continuously deposit multiple tubes of material through a multi-hollow nozzle without first melting the material. This means that the substance can be used to repair, deposit, or clad without forcing a phase change, yielding higher quality products and better results.
THE ADVANTAGES
- Faster than current technology
- More uniform deposition
- Reduces heat typically generated during processing
- Creates a more stable microstructure
- Number of holes in nozzle can be changed to alter deposition rate, resolution, & size of deposition
- Introduces ability to create metal matrix composites or new alloys in real time
