Research in 3D printing technologies and design methods
Our Additive Manufacturing Processes research pursues academic research in additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) with a focus on innovating and improving processes and technologies. Additive Manufacturing holds a unique place in the manufacturing world - many of the conventional rules for manufacturability don't apply, meaning that AM parts can be designed with far more complexity than equivalent machined, molded, or cast parts. Student researchers explore ways to use additive manufacturing in new ways to enable innovations in aerospace, medical, consumer products, and more.
Faculty Supervisors
Dr. Tracy Nelson specializes in metal AM processes, micro-welding process control, and applications.
Dr. Michael Miles specializes in metal AM processes, material properties, and simulation.
Areas of Interest
Faculty and student researchers have a wide range of interests and experiences. Anything in the field of Additive Manufacturing is fair game! Some topics that we are currently exploring or have worked on in the past include:
- Effect of weld parameters and chemical composition on material properties in metal powder-bed-fusion (PBF) processes
- Integration of large-area extrusion additive manufacturing (LAAM) into standard CNC machining centers
- Multi-material AM - combining different polymers, polymers and metals, different AM processes, and functionally graded materials (FGMs)
- Hybrid Manufacturing - combining AM and subtractive manufacturing in a single set up
- Automated fault detection to catch failed prints as they happen
- AM methods for creating investment cast patterns and injection molds
- Comparing material properties and accuracy of different AM processes
- Developing "Design for AM" principles to improve manufacturability
- Developing "Design of AM Processes" principles to innovate new AM technologies
- Enhancing STEM education and industry training through 3D printing
Recent Publications
- Weaver, Jason M, Barton, TJ, Jenkins, Derrik, Linn, John, Miles, Michael P., & Smith, Robert. (November 2018). Quantifying Accuracy of a Concept Laser Metal Additive Machine through the NIST Test Artifact. Journal Article, Academic Journal. Rapid Prototyping Journal, Emerald Publishing Limited, Bingley, West Yorkshire, England., 12.
- Weaver, Jason, & Jones, Jason. (August 2018). Characterization of High-deposition Polymer Extrusion in Hybrid Manufacturing. Conference Proceedings. Proceedings of the 29th Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium - An Additive Manufacturing Conference, Solid Freeform Fabrication, Austin, TX, United States.
- Weaver, Jason M, Linn, John, Miles, Michael P., Hovanski, Yuri, & Smith, Robert. (August 2018). Characterizing Interfacial Bonds in Hybrid Metal AM Structures. Conference Proceedings. Proceedings of the 29th Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium - An Additive Manufacturing Conference, Solid Freeform Fabrication, Austin, TX, United States.
- Weaver, Jason, Barton, TJ, Jenkins, Derrik, Linn, John, Miles, Mike, & Smith, Robert. (August 2017). Quantifying Accuracy of Metal Additive Processes Through a Standardized Test Artifact. Conference Proceedings. Proceedings of the 28th Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium – An Additive Manufacturing Conference, Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, Austin, TX, USA., 16.
Opportunities
Contact Tracy Nelson or Michael Miles for information on how to get involved.