What is your thesis topic?
In-situ Multiple Material Processing in Large Scale Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing
How is materials processing involved in your research?
My research utilizes advances in instrumentation to improve the multiple material (MM) processing capabilities in large-scale material extrusion additive manufacturing (AM). A g-code enabled dual-hopper attachment allows for on-the-fly material switching during printing, which enables complex site-specific properties. By studying the processing conditions and blending behavior during material switching, my research will provide the information necessary to tweak processing conditions and control material placement within the printed structures. This improved processing capability allows AM to fulfill requirements for advanced applications using MM that single-material structures struggle with.
Provide an example of where the material, process, or properties you are studying might find an application.
Multi-material additive manufacturing (MMAM) provides the capability to deliberately place a given material anywhere within a geometrically complex structure. Specifically with the dual-hopper on the BAAM (big area additive manufacturing), the improvements in control over the deposition process provided by my research will allow for distinct regions of different capabilities. For instance, a simple core-shell structure is achievable with this improvement by selecting a flexible, impact-resistance material for the outer shell and a strong and stiff material for the inner structure to provide adequate resistance against deformation. Without characterization of the processing capabilities of the dual-hopper, a finely tuned core-shell structure would not be possible.