The Materials Processing Institute is leading an Innovate UK funded collaboration to develop an artificial intelligence tool that creates greater efficiencies in the additive manufacturing (AM) sector.
Working in partnership with Ormskirk-based Additive Manufacturing Solutions Ltd and AMFG, a software company providing MES and workflow automation for manufacturing, the £600,000 SMART-APP project will enable high-level production of AM components, using Laser Powder Bed Fusion, through the introduction of smart predictive models for resource efficiency and waste reduction.
SMART-APP aims to predict the quality change of the powder after each process and propose alternative process parameters on used powder to extend its lifespan with a minimal or an in-specification impact on product quality.
According to MPI, one area of particular interest is the growth of metal AM, which is not yet cost-effective due to a development gap in the level of powder waste and length of processing time.
In a statement, Nick Parry, Industrial Digitalisation group manager at MPI, said: “SMART-APP is the next logical step to continue the work the Institute has already undertaken in powder characterisation. This predictive tool will develop and enable world-class production of AM components, with smart solutions for resource efficiency and providing longer use of materials feedstock and reducing wastage.”
The research will feature advanced materials characterisation, and mechanical testing, investigating shelf life and the processability envelope of environmentally affected common stainless steel, titanium and superalloy base feedstock. It will also examine methods of reclaiming the powders and the effect on the final product.
The resulting outputs will be fed into an advanced database linking powder input properties against AM part performance to provide a predictive tool that will be available to industry.
Rob Higham, CEO of Additive Manufacturing Solutions, said: “This marks our first step towards a ground-breaking approach for dynamic materials management. The potential of the AM process remains a potential in many people’s eyes. It could be realised with the development of a versatile and smart predictive tool for tracking powder quality after each reuse.”
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