Begun in December 2018, the Clip Fam project (Powder bed characterization for metal additive manufacturing) is entering its second phase, with the aim of correlating the qualification of metal powders with the properties of the finished product. The ultimate aim is to support the emergence of a specific powder standard.
The Clip Fam project, funded by the Normandy region and the European Union, is based around a consortium from Normandy: Analyses & Surface, ArianeGroup, Cevaa, Crismat, GPM, Insa Rouen Normandie, LMN, Nae (network of players in the aeronautics, space, defense and security sectors in Normandy) and Volum-e. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the role played by powder bed characteristics on the overall properties of metal parts produced by additive manufacturing.
Normandy boasts strong skills in additive manufacturing (AM), with players positioned in several segments of the value chain: product design, material elaboration, implementation and product control.
The Clip Fam project comprises four deliverables:
- Lot 1: Develop a method for characterizing the spreadability of metal powders for additive manufacturing (test bench);
- Batch 2: Strengthen scalability modeling to anticipate optimal production;
- Batch 3: Evaluate the impact of a powder with good/bad calibratability on the part produced;
- Lot 4: Support the emergence of a specific powder standard (calibratability aspect).
Analyses & Surface is in charge of Lot 1, which involves characterizing the calibratability of powders. This lot is being carried out in partnership with Cevaa, LMN and ArianeGroup. It also aims to model powder spreadability and improve understanding of the phenomenon on the basis of key parameters.
Characterization of the metal powders selected for the project has been completed, and the test bench is now operational: it represents and simulates the powder feed zone of SLM machine platens.[1] (Selective Laser Melting). The tray used for the measurements will be fed by a "scraper" which will push the powder from the feed tray onto the tray. Cameras will be used to check the calibratability of the powders studied, and thus their quality. The measurements made on this test bench will be correlated with the results obtained on the powders to verify their consistency and, ultimately, to simplify powder characterization.
This simplified measurement method will enable us to distinguish between powders that can be used by the machines and those that are too degraded or aged (due to excessive reuse in the powder bed, for example).
The GPM is in charge of managing batch 2, which involves characterizing and comparing several parts produced by different additive manufacturing processes, in partnership with all the players involved, including Crismat, Volum-e and ArianeGroup, who are supplying the test specimens.
Work will continue on batch 3, piloted by ArianeGroup, which will establish the correlation between the characterizations carried out on powders in batch 1 and the characterizations on finished products in batch 2.
Focus on lot 4 - Complementary to the DGE mission on standardization
Commissioned by the Direction Générale des Entreprises (DGE) to promote and inform national companies about developments in additive manufacturing standardization.[2]NAE is stepping up this action as part of Clip Fam: standardization of powder metal additive manufacturing is an integral part of the work of batch 4, led by Eric Baustert (Volum-e) and Sébastien Boileau (6Napse) and joined by Pierre Bernard (ArianeGroup).
Currently, 66 standards are being written or have been written on additive manufacturing. Among these, EN ISO-ASTM 52913, currently being drafted, aims to define methodologies for characterizing the flow of powders used in additive manufacturing. This standard is intended for manufacturers of test equipment, material suppliers and users of powder additive manufacturing machines, and will enable all these players to ensure a common language and understanding of the properties expected of powders.
NAE is supporting the overall coordination of the Clip Fam project, which should be completed by the end of June 2022.
NAE will also be taking part in the forthcoming APS Meeting business convention dedicated to additive manufacturing and 3D printing, to be held on June 29 and 30, and will be hosting two sessions on the following topics:
- Clip Fam: First results of characterization work
- Additive manufacturing in Normandy - Structuring
Visit the site:
www.nae.fr
[1] Selective laser sintering uses a high-powered laser to transform a powder into a solid object by melting or sintering. The laser scans the surface, causing the material to agglomerate or fuse.
[2] Through Normandie AeroEspace, the DGE wanted to promote the standardization of additive manufacturing by enabling small and medium-sized companies to become players and informed about the challenges and directions of this technology - NAE press release of 29/05/2018