University of Adelaide
Additive Manufacturing Capability Overview
UoA additive manufacturing research is delivered through the collaboration between the School of electrical and Mechanical Engineering (SEME) and the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) of the University of Adelaide. In addition to metal printing, the SEME has a dedicated AM-3D printing lab for polymeric based materials with a range of printers.
Additive Manufacturing
We conduct high quality research that covers the cutting edge in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). In addition, IPAS has capabilities in printing glasses for applications in advanced sensing and detection field.
Our fundamental and applied research is aligned with aerospace and medical applications particularly in dental and orthopaedic (prosthesis industry) industry both in selecting the biocompatible alloys, e.g., Ti-alloys and adaptable topologies, e.g., lattices. In this regard, the emphasis is concentrated on;
Structural design & modelling
Process optimisation
Alloy design & development
Characterization (Mechanical, metrological, chemical & microstructural)
Outcomes
Training and education of Higher Degree Research (HDR) students
Printing and characterization of a range of advanced materials, such as titanium alloys, stainless steels, Ni-based alloys
Presentations in International Conferences, like TMS
Publications in respected materials journals
Creating a knowledge centre on L-PBF of advanced engineering alloys
Facilities
The Materials Group at SEME has access to 3D metal printing facilities including on-Campus 3D Systems ProX200
Build volume: 140mm X 140mm X 100mm
Build materials: Stainless Steel, Tool Steel, Titanium Alloy, Cobalt Chromium, Alloy, Aluminium Alloy, Inconel
The University of Adelaide purchased three Renishaw 400 pulsed laser printers a few years back which were operated and maintained by a Melbourne-based 3D printing Company. The three machines will be transferred to Flinders University shortly. We are expecting to have access as we used the facilities while was managed by Melbourne-based company.
We have access to 5-Axis ultrasonic and HSC milling housed at IPAS at North Terrace campus. It is capable of
Simultaneous 5-axis machining
Latest ultrasonic technology
High positioning accuracy
Surface finish: Ra <0.1μm
Work piece size: 200 X Ø 200mm
The materials labs have the state-of-the-art metallography preparation facilities including Struers automatic mounting, grinding and polishing machines. There are a range of optical microscopes (macro & micro imagers) including the Zeiss AXIO Imager.M2m optical microscope.
In addition to printing facilities for metals and polymers, The University of Adelaide has a state of art nano-characterization facilities at Adelaide Microscopy;
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/microscopy/facilities-services
Sustainable Supply Chains Capability
In addition to the technical expertise from SEME and IPAS, the University of Adelaide offers a unique capability to map additive manufacturing supply chains through the Centre for Sustainable Operations and Resilient Supply Chains (CSORSC). The new Centre has attracted world-leading capability in helping industry undergo sustainable planning and change. Its strengths include mathematical modelling, optimisation, change management planning and experience in working with manufacturing industries across the world.
The centre’s leaders have a track record in helping industry achieve competitive advantage through detailed, tailored solutions and niche expertise in sustainable practices like certification, life cycle assessments, sustainable procurement, industrial planning, supply chain optimisation and female/minority entrepreneurship. They have previous global record of successful industry partnerships in Europe, China, India, Vietnam, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Outcomes for Industry
Certification of products, processes or services for markets with assessments of (e.g.) carbon footprints and ESG compliance
Sustainable, responsible and local procurement pathway design
Industry-accredited training in sustainable practice
Safe and cyber-secure tracking and verification
Supply chain design, mapping and optimisation from source to process to outputs and market access
For further information, please contact Reza Ghomashchi or one of the researchers below:
Reza Ghomashchi, (Advanced Materials & Characterization)
reza.ghomashchi@adelaide.edu.au
Prof Kannan Govindan (Sustainable supply chain design and optimisation, life cycle assessments)
kannan.govindan@adelaide.edu.au
Prof. Zonghan Xie, (Surface engineering and Advanced coatings)
Prof. Andrei Kotousov, (structural Integrity)
andrei.kotousov@adelaide.edu.au
A/Prof Devika Kannan (Sustainable supply chains, sustainable procurement, female and minority entrepreneurship)
A/Prof. Ling Yin, (Ceramics and dental materials)
Dr. Yujie Chen (Quantum materials)
