University of Birmingham orders Freemelt ONE for material process development
September 20, 2024
The University of Birmingham, UK, has ordered a Freemelt ONE Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-EB) Additive Manufacturing machine from Freemelt, based in Mölndal, Sweden. The university is expected to use the new AM machine for the material process development of various refractory metals, superalloys, and copper for applications in the fusion energy, space, and aerospace sectors.
The University of Birmingham is a leading institution in engineering and physical sciences, with a strong focus on metal Additive Manufacturing. The university presently houses eleven metal Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) machines, reportedly the largest AM capacity of any UK university.
Professor Moataz Attallah, Professor of Advanced Materials Processing at the University of Birmingham’s School of Metallurgy and Materials, stated, “I am electrified about the installation of the Freemelt ONE machine in the Advanced Materials & Processing Laboratory (AMPLab). This machine significantly enhances our AM capabilities, offering exciting new opportunities in AM process development, alloy development, and even the simulation of electron beam welding processes.”
Over the past 20 years, Professor Attallah has focused his research on the development of new AM applications using novel materials, working closely with top research institutes and industrial leaders.
“Its open-source nature allows us to fine-tune process parameters freely, unlike the other black-box systems where most parameters are masked making it difficult to progress the science of PBF-EB. Designed with R&D in mind, the Freemelt ONE machine will be invaluable for our work in nuclear fusion. Combined with our advanced nuclear irradiation facilities, state-of-the-art microscopy, and Hot Isostatic Pressing technologies, it positions us to lead successful future programs. I’m excited to see how this addition will push our research frontiers even further,” added Professor Attallah.
Freemelt’s CEO, Daniel Gidlund, commented, “I am thrilled about the fact that we continue to expand our presence at prestige universities in the UK and, this time, at the University of Birmingham with extensive industry experience, focusing on materials highly suitable for our PBF-EB machines. Together with the active installed base at IHI and the University of Sheffield, and the recent orders from UKAEA (United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority), and NAMRC (Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre), we advance our position within the UK’s leading AM community, underscoring the critical contribution of our PBF-EB technology and competence to produce refractory metals and super alloys, for high-temperature and wear-resistant components and copper within aerospace, defence, healthcare, and fusion energy.”
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