Materials

Senvol granted $100k to ease additive manufacturing materials characterization

The U.S.National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) has awardedSenvol, the largest online database of 3D printing systems and materials, a total sum of $99,946 for a project applying data analysis to additive manufacturing processes.

The end goal of the project is to develop a tool that will increase the adoption rate of additive manufacturing throughout U.S. industry, maturing factors like material characterization for the purpose of certification.

Continuous learning

Senvol’s project is titled “Continuous Learning for Additive Manufacturing Processes Through Advanced Data Analytics.” For the project, Senvol will supply its machine learning software to analyse data input from NIST test studies and the institute’s Additive Manufacturing Benchmark Series. This input includes, according to theofficial project abstract, “in-situ monitoring data, microstructure data and non-destructive testing (NDT) data.”

因此,该项目将努力建立过程s-Structure-Property relationships for materials. This will make it easier for manufacturers to analyse their additive manufacturing processes, resulting in faster qualification for 3D printed products that better matches the rate of traditional manufacturing processes.

Process-Structure-Property linkage diagram. Image via Kunststoff Technik Leoben
Process-Structure-Property linkage diagram. Image via Kunststoff Technik Leoben

The power of data-driven machine learning

By the end of the project, Senvol Machine Learning will be integrated into NIST’s AM Material Database (AMMD) to create a “continuous” loop of analysis.

Yan Lu is a NIST Senior Research Scientist who will be working on the project with Senvol. According to Lu, “The work in this project will demonstrate the power of a data-driven machine learning approach for additive manufacturing process understanding and material characterization,”

“Furthermore, Senvol will showcase hybrid modeling, whereby physics-based models and data-driven models are joined under a single framework.

Quality envelope based on density plotted as a function of three process parameters. Image via Senvol.
Quality envelope based on density plotted as a function of three process parameters. Image via Senvol.

NIST and Senvolinnovations

Recently, Senvol launched a similardata-driven additive manufacturing projectwith U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research. The company has alsojoined the National Armaments Consortium(NAC) to play a role in the “rapid innovation” of U.S. military equipment.

NIST’s other additive manufacturing research projects includes thecharacterization and impact assessment of recycled powderwith Sigma Labs, and development of theAdditive Manufacturing Metrology Testbed(AMMT).

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Featured image shows engineering drawing of the NIST test artifact for 3D printing. Image via NIST