Development of EBM-fabricated titanium alloy parts for high performance leightweighting

Research Project, 2019 – 2022

Purpose and goal
The project focuses on electron beam melting (EBM) for Ti alloy in both aerospace and biomedical application as a means of high performance light weight design. The goal is to build confidence to use additive manufacturing (AM) for highly loaded components that would benefit significantly from the design in aerospace applications where fatigue loading is critical and to further develop AM as a main approach for bionic design demonstrated for future medical parts.

Expected results and effects
Project results will open-up new commercial alternatives for aerospace and biomedical industry. They are expected to bring the TRL-level from TRL4 towards TRL6 for some specific solutions. The knowledge obtained ensures robust EBM manufacturing and high performance of components. Besides presentation at LIGHTer conferences, results dissemination will include international scientific publications. The project will benefit from the critical mass of the CAM2 center for connection to student projects, master thesis projects and further development of partnerships.

Planned approach and implementation
The constellation involves key industrial partners (GKN, Arcam) and core research providers in additive manufacturing and materials science (Chalmers, GU and RISE). WP 1. Microstructural characteristics of built and HIP component (GKN, Chalmers, RISE IVF) WP 2. Fatigue behavior and correlation with microstructure (GKN, Chalmers) WP 3. Materials/process optimization and design for AM biomedical applications (Chalmers, Arcam, RISE IVF) WP 4. Pre-clinic assessment of optimized constructs by AM (Gothenburg University (GU), Arcam, Chalmers)