Design of Novel Materials and Processes for Next Generation of Additive Manufacturing

Important results from the project

The purpose of DEMA has been to increase basic understanding of solidification during additive manufacturing (AM) and our ability to predict and control the microstructure development. The goal has been to develop the computational methods and powder metallurgy (PM) techniques required to design materials specifically for AM and take advantage of the alloying possibilities PM provides. The goal has also been to include post-processing in HIP in the design process. In DEMA, we also wanted to raise awareness and improve procedures around handling material data to enable future reuse.

Expected long term effects

The work in DEMA has resulted in new knowledge about how the solidification can be influenced and controlled during AM. The results include computational methods and powder metallurgical solutions that allow us to control the solidification during AM, especially through the application of inoculation. This enables material design for AM. The work has also resulted in new knowledge about how HIP pressure affects thermodynamics and kinetics and how these, in turn, affect microstructure evolution during post treatments.

Approach and implementation

The project work was divided into five work packages (WP). In WP1, we carried out the fundamental work for the increased knowledge of how solidification can be controlled. The focus in WP2 was on heat treatment in HIP and in WP3 the results from WP1 and 2 were evaluated by application to a high entropy alloy. WP4 and 5 focused on the development of schemes for data collection and dissemination of results and information. The project was coordinated by KTH with the research partners Chalmers and Swerim, and in close collaboration with industrial partners.