Part-specific process optimization in SLM – PASSPORT

Type: Active Collaborative Project funded by The European Commission, H2020 CleanSky2

Website: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/213594/factsheet/en 

Partners: TWI Ltd

As the European AM industry and design optimisation applications are growing, lead time and financial costs associated with optimising process parameters to ensure high-quality AlSi10Mg parts with complex geometry is a significant barrier to widespread adoption. PASSPORT seeks to remove this barrier and advance the state-of-the-art through the delivery of an ambitious experimental, analytical and software development programme.

PASSPORT will: (1) Undertake a detailed characterisation of AlSi10Mg SLM parts with a unique laboratory setup; (2)Employ advanced process simulations to understand and quantify the relationship between different scan strategies and part attributes; (3)Develop state-of-the-art, optimised process parameters that vary with local part topology and geometry characteristics to ensure homogeneous mechanical properties, high density and a smooth build surface; (4)Produce a bespoke, stand-alone process parameter selection software solution for AlSi10Mg SLM parts that can communicate with multiple vendors’ SLM machines; (5)Improve the time-to-market for SLM parts by removing significant cost and time-intensive burdens associated with optimising SLM builds. Granta Design will support the process parameter selection solution which is underpinned by GRANTA MI for management of physical and virtual characterization data and information.