3D-Printing for Remote Industries (3DPRI) in Harsh Environments: On the post-processing of a wire arc additive manufactured 420 martensitic stainless steel for enhanced functionality and service life

Newly developed additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, also known as 3D-printing, are able to fabricate complex geometry components at a relatively high deposition rate, the lowest possible number of production cycles, and minimum materials waste in contrast with the conventional subtractive fabrication techniques. By drastic reduction in the fabrication time and production steps, minimizing the on-hold inventory, additive manufacturing technologies have the potential to revolutionize the industrial manufacturing sectors. This research project aims to further expand the industrialization of this fast-evolving technology by modifying the microstructural features of the 3D-printed parts, and consequently improve the performance of the fabricated structure during the harsh in-service conditions through applying post-printing heat treatment cycles.
Currently, all industrial sectors dealing with damaged or failed engineering parts during operation have to order their required parts from different fabricators. This can potentially lead to interruptions of their regular work process and incurrence of valuable lost time. We propose to solve this issue by establishing an on-site small to medium-scale 3D-Priniting manufacturing platform. This unit would be capable of fabricating a wide range of engineering parts made from different materials, size, and geometry.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ali Nasiri

Student:

Alireza Vahedi Nemani

Partner:

Springboard Atlantic

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Dalhousie University