Stratonics, a leader in thermal sensing and control systems for additive manufacturing, will collaborate with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to further the development of the detection of flaws and process parameter optimization, supporting component certification.
Stratonics, Inc., announced today it has executed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Department of Energy’s (DOE) ORNL. The ThermaViz® Sensor System will be integrated into a Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DLS) process at DOE’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) at ORNL to correlate actual melt pool characterizations to simulation model data, critical to improve and perfect the DLS process.
Additive manufacturing is restricted primarily by reduced mechanical properties as a result of porosities and interlayer lack of fusion, the primary causes of failure. Significant research is required to eliminate these defects by optimizing the operating parameters using in-situ process monitoring and closed loop techniques. “We are excited to partner with Stratonics to advance additive technologies. Successful measurements could provide a way to rapidly develop ideal processing parameters for new alloy powders and improve the DLS process,” said Ryan Dehoff, group leader, deposition science and technology at ORNL.
“Working closely with leading research organizations provides a platform to understand the technical challenges and industry needs. Access to ORNL’s state-of-the-art facilities, experience, and expertise accelerates Stratonics ability to advance and further validate our systems,” commented Dr. James Craig, President of Stratonics.
Stratonics develops and engineers solutions based on the physics and mechanics of complex processes. ThermaViz® systems are integrated into a wide variety of AM processes and their team is developing technological advancements in close collaboration with many leading research institutes at universities, national labs, and key DOD OEMs. www.stratonics.com
About Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.
This project is supported by DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy – Advanced Manufacturing Office. AMO supports applied research, development and demonstration of new materials and processes for energy efficiency in manufacturing as well as platform technologies for the manufacturing of clean energy products. http://www.ornl.gov/manufacturing