Aldi Mehmeti, Pavel Penchev, Donal Lynch, Denis Vincent, Nathalie Maillol, Johannes Maurath, Julien Bajolet, David Ian Wimpenny, Khamis Essa and Stefan Dimov
The paper reports an investigation into the mechanical behaviour of hybrid components produced by combining the capabilities of metal injection moulding (MIM) with the laser-based…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper reports an investigation into the mechanical behaviour of hybrid components produced by combining the capabilities of metal injection moulding (MIM) with the laser-based powder bed fusion (PBF) process to produce small series of hybrid components. The research investigates systematically the mechanical properties and the performance of the MIM/PBF interfaces in such hybrid components.
Design/methodology/approach
The MIM process is employed to fabricate relatively lower cost preforms in higher quantities, whereas the PBF technology is deployed to build on them sections that can be personalised, customised or functionalised to meet specific technical requirements.
Findings
The results are discussed, and conclusions are made about the mechanical performance of such hybrid components produced in batches and also about the production efficiency of the investigated hybrid manufacturing (HM) route. The obtained results show that the proposed HM route can produce hybrid MIM/PBF components with consistent mechanical properties and interface performance which comply with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
Originality/value
The manufacturing of hybrid components, especially by combining the capabilities of additive manufacturing processes with cost-effective complementary technologies, is designed to be exploited by industry because they can offer flexibility and cost advantages in producing small series of customisable products. The findings of this research will contribute to further develop the state of the art in regards to the manufacturing and optimisation of hybrid components.
Details
Keywords
David Ian Wimpenny and Gregory John Gibbons
This work was performed within IMI Spray Mould, an EPSRC joint funded programme, aimed at developing a manufacturing route for large aerospace composite forming tooling, based on…
Abstract
This work was performed within IMI Spray Mould, an EPSRC joint funded programme, aimed at developing a manufacturing route for large aerospace composite forming tooling, based on metal spray technologies. Assesses the mechanical properties of Invar steel coatings, deposited using electric arc spraying, and correlates these properties to the spray parameters and processes used so as to offer coatings with characteristics appropriate to the tooling requirements. In particular, two processing methods, inert and air atomisation, and three arc spray gun configurations (air cap design) are evaluated. The mechanical properties of the coatings are found to be low compared to bulk Invar, regardless of the spray parameters and hardware used. Inert arc spraying affords more consistent coating characteristics but this comes with a compromised durability. The spray hardware is found to be more significant in determining the coating properties than the parameters employed.