Development of the additive manufacturing production chain of metal components

Abstract

This document proposes the creation of an applied research center (ARC) in accordance with themes indicated by the Sao Paulo State Secretariat of Economic Development (SDE) with the title: "Development of the additive manufacturing production chain of metallic components". The center will be structured with the participation of six Sao Paulo state research institutions (IPT, ITA, EPUSP, EESC-USP, UFSCar e IPEN) and one international institution (Fraunhofer-IPK). Companies from different stages of the value chain will support the center financially as well as participate in its research activities. The research will be divided in to two lines of work: aluminum and steels. Although these lines are guided by the goal of developing novel alloys that have high mechanical strength and good printability, they aim to solve remaining difficulties for the adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) throughout the entire value chain. The topics that will be researched include: (i) design of novel alloys for AM; (ii) powder manufacturing with desirable characteristics for AM (Iii) microstructure control during printing and heat treatment; (iv) elimination of internal and superficial defects; (v) reduction of residual stresses; (vi) knowledge of the microstructure / process / mechanical properties relations; (vii) design for AM of metal parts; (viii) monitoring and control of the printing process. The center will be run by a management committee that will contain researchers and managers a will be fully supported by the proposing institution, IPT. The center will carry out future collaborations and communications plans that aim at the development of new lines of work, the strengthening of the bond with industrial partners and the adoption of the technology of AM through the creation of an AM Hub and diverse communication actions. (AU)