Intech collaborates with BARC to additively manufacture metal components
August 18, 2022
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, India, has collaborated with Intech Additive Solutions, Bengaluru, to additively manufacture a sample miniature metal component similar to those used in several critical applications in miniature robotics (bio-robotics), particularly in customised electroporation devices such as those used in systems for drug delivery, the pre-treatment of food, cosmetic skin therapy and more.
According to IPF Online, BARC used Intech’s AMOptoMet & AM Builder to design the component, which was then additively manufactured using the company’s iFusion LF Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing machines.
BARC provided the initial design for the miniature component for possible transition of the AM process. The Intech Design for AM (DfAM) team utilised its alloy parameter development software, AMOptoMet, and its AM Builder to optimise the component’s design.
“In my opinion, engineers at Intech have good acumen of technical brilliance, sense of practicality and leadership,” stated Dr Debanik Roy, Scientist, Division of Remote Handling & Robotics, BARC. “I have observed that the engineers follow ‘first principle thinking’, which is very essential for any indigenous out-of-the-box solution for new technology. I am proud to say that within a short span of six months, engineers of Intech have achieved the pinnacle of authentic product-oriented manufacturing with due persistence and passion.”
The additively manufactured component has a length of 33 mm with a cylindrical housing and tapered front. Central to the build is a ‘retainer ring’, with a thickness of 1.5 mm, incorporating a hole 0.9 mm in diameter, the workability of which was essential to the component’s success. The component was also assembled with an end cover measuring 6.5 mm tall.
