ADvAnced Process developmenT of Electron Beam Melting of titanium for manufacturing of future aero-engine parts

Purpose and goal:

The purpose of this project was to understand why/how pores/defects/surface roughness is formed for differently manufactured EBM titanium material, and in addition to be able to distinguish what defects that are dangerous to certain mechanical properties, and if the Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) could potentially minimize defects. A systematic characterization of defects and surface roughness in differently manufactured EBM titanium material was conducted, and their mechanical properties evaluated, which was the aim of the project.

Expected results and effects:

An in depth increased knowledge and understanding of how defects and surface roughness influence the mechanical properties of EBM manufactured titanium material was achieved. These results increases the possibilities to make the EBM technology a successful manufacturing method to produce titanium component. The project rendered in a new Ph.D. (May 2024) with expertise skills in an area of high relevance to the involved company.

Approach and implementation:

A Ph.D. student employed at University West has been mainly responsible to lead the project, with support from supervisors in both academia and at the company. The participating companies manufactured the EBM titanium materials, while the University led the mechanical testing of these materials. The Ph.D. student conducted the analysis of the results from these evaluations, such as fractography and microscopy.

Dissemination of results from this project was conducted through regular project meetings, publication in scientific journals, and through conference.