Phase3D’s in-situ monitoring to inspect molybdenum Additive Manufacturing at ORNL
June 18, 2024
Phase3D, a startup based in Chicago, Illinois, USA, has secured a contract with the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Tennessee. The work will adapt Fringe Research, Phase3D’s in-situ monitoring system, for inspecting molybdenum Additive Manufacturing for nuclear applications. This collaboration is said to mark a significant milestone in the advancement of AM processes for high-performance materials and its proliferation into the nuclear industry.
Molybdenum, a refractory metal known for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures, has long been a challenging material to process using traditional manufacturing due to its high melting point, reactivity with oxygen, and inherent brittleness. However, recent work at ORNL has shown that molybdenum titanium carbide, a novel alloy, can be successfully manufactured using Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-EB) Additive Manufacturing, resulting in crack-free and dense structures.
By using an electron beam to melt the mixture, the ORNL team was able to control the cooling rate, thereby optimising the material’s performance. This may have significant implications for industries such as the aerospace and the energy sector, where parts must be able to withstand high temperatures.
Phase3D is supporting ORNL with transitioning molybdenum Additive Manufacturing from research to product development by ensuring build quality for every layer using Fringe Research in-situ monitoring to measure each layer of the build to identify anomalies and improve performance. The work will be done at the Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Technologies Office.
Phase3D’s Fringe Research system, noted by the company for its precision and ability to measure powder bed surfaces, will be adapted to inspect the AM process on a Renishaw AM250 Additive Manufacturing machine at ORNL.
“We are thrilled to partner with Oak Ridge National Laboratory on this groundbreaking project,” said Dr Niall O’Dowd, founder and CEO of Phase3D. “By leveraging Fringe Research, we aim to support ORNL in advancing Additive Manufacturing for Molybdenum and unlocking its full potential for critical applications.”
This partnership is said to underscore Phase3D’s commitment to innovation and highlights the pivotal role of metrology in advancing Additive Manufacturing technologies for high-performance materials.
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