Our additive manufacturing (AM) research is performed at the Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility. Our AM work focuses on metals AM technologies, and includes the development of machine learning approaches for part and process qualification, optimizing materials for AM, and developing process parameters for new processes and raw materials. We also perform basic research on understanding process-structure property relationships of AM and how they compare with those of other manufacturing technologies.
NEW CAPABILITIES FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING RESEARCH
The Beam Team is excited to commission a new, first-of-its-kind hybrid manufacturing research and development machine. Optomec has augmented their MTS-860 commercial hybrid manufacturing machine, which combines Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing capability together with 5-axis CNC machining capability, by adding laser wire DED capability to the system. From a production perspective, the combination of the LENS and wire DED additive manufacturing technologies will allow for faster deposition of bulk material using the wire tool, then application of surface features and/or coatings using the LENS tool, while integration of the CNC tool ensures tighter dimensional tolerancing and/or the ability to machine final part surfaces. Research enabled by this new platform includes hybrid manufacturing path planning, multimaterial joining/deposition, graded material manufacturing, and more. Read more about this new capability on our facilities page.
