China3D printingNet August 25th, Rowan University in New Jersey received $14.5 million from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) for the development of a cold spray additive manufacturing (CSAM) program. In a project titled “Structural Materials to Promote Army Modernization Priorities Through Direct Writing,” Rowan researchers will apply technological improvements to improve the safety of soldiers.
Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing (CSAM)
Cold spray additive manufacturing involves the use of high-speed supersonic gas jets to accelerate metal particles and bind powder materials when they collide with a receiving surface or substrate. Faster than the speed of sound, the particle speed of the cold spray allows the polymer to solidify and adhere quickly. This can quickly and efficiently produce high-performance composite parts or repair parts.
“In addition, this novel manufacturing method is the layer-by-layer production of composite materials, reducing voids and defect content,” explained John La Scala, deputy director of the ARL Materials and Manufacturing Science Department. “This significantly improves product strength and durability, thereby unlocking the potential of using this manufacturing technology to prepare composite materials for extreme conditions, while at the same time replacing current expensive manufacturing methods with more economical methods,”
The main applications of this technology include manufacturing coatings or repairing equipment. This technology has been used by engineers to repair engine gearboxes and manufacture electric motors. Commercial cold spray machines are now SPEE3D LightSPEE3D 3D printingProvided in the form of a machine. Other commercial suppliers of cold spray-based AM include Impact Innovations, Hermle and Titomic.
The robot arm works in fusion with the cold spray. The photo is from GE.
Rowan’s new CSAM research laboratory
At the Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing Research Laboratory in Rowan South Jersey Technology Park (SJTP), Dr. Joe Stanzione, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, will work with Dr. Francis (Mac) Haas, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering. “We are creating a materials science ecosystem in Rowan.”HaasSaid the doctor. The laboratory also brings together post-doctoral researchers, doctoral students, master students and more than 20 undergraduate students.
The focus of the team’s work is the manufacture and repair of polymer composites. “The high particle speed of cold spray can quickly cure and bond polymers. This should allow fast and efficient production of high-performance composite parts or repair parts.” La Scala added. Starting with the ubiquitous polystyrene, the team will then move to more advanced composite materials and systems specified by the Army.
Materials developed through research projects can be used to make military equipment stronger and lighter, soldiers more flexible, and vehicles more durable. Commercial sectors such as civil aviation, automotive, healthcare, and space exploration are also potential customers.“We will be committed to making materials faster, making them better, and most importantly, performing repairs on site,” said Dr. Stanzione. “This includes everything from tank and jeep parts to usable tools and helmets.”
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