Electrochemical Infiltration of Selective Laser Sintered Preforms

University Of Texas At Austin, Austin TX

Investigators

Abstract

This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). The research objective of the proposed research is to employ electrodeposition techniques in the design of a manufacturing route for creation of fully dense metal-nonmetallic selective laser sintered parts. The approach will be to adapt and modify conventional electrochemical deposition/coating techniques to apply to internal deposition on porous preforms to fill in interconnected porosity. A significant part of the research involves establishment of a sound scientific understanding for electrochemical infiltration/deposition of metal within porous selective laser sintered preforms. If successful, the benefits of this work will include the development of a truly novel method to effectively achieve infiltration. This will facilitate transition of selective laser sintering from a rapid prototyping method to a rapid/additive manufacturing technique. Porosity removal represents the major scientific barrier to development and maturation of a new manufacturing route for creating low-cost, metal-infiltrated composites with complex geometry at room temperature. One of the major advantages of electrochemical infiltration is the lower processing temperature. Low temperature reduces both energy consumption and associated carbon-footprint and also minimizes undesirable structural changes. The results of the proposed research will also impact domestic competition for a variety of parts in manufacture by providing a vehicle for low-cost production. The proposed process would significantly reduce tooling and manufacturing costs.