Flinders University

Research and industry partnerships in the Additive Manufacturing sector leverage internationally recognised researchers in the Flinders University Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Medical Device Research Institute and the Factory of the Future initiative.

Research activities spanning design, processing, finishing, validation and non-destructive testing focus on ensuring that AM meet the needs of our partners. Project areas include:

• the development of new materials for a range of polymer, concrete and metal AM platforms

• characterisation, and performance evaluation including mechanical, microstructural and corrosion relationships

• new software and machine parameters for novel materials

• digital twins and process monitoring to ensure quality and that printed products are fit-for-purpose

• machine learning comparisons with target designs

• combining AM with finishing processes to produce finished components

• generative design and topology optimisation for AM

• product evaluation by 3D scanning and tomography

Flinders researchers and partners have access to a range of high resolution and large-scale continuous feed printers for polymer (including filament, vat and powder bed), cementitious (concrete, clay) and metal (WAAM and laser sintering). 

In addition to high resolution 3D scanning capabilities, Flinders researchers and partners also have extensive characterisation capabilities and highly trained staff available at the Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility (FMMA). Relevant techniques include SEM-EDX, EBSD, microCT for internal void analysis and Scanning Auger. Capabilities include microstructural and compositional distributions in metal printed parts and a full suite of polymer/composite material characterisation techniques.