9622287 Beaman The traditional Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) solid freeform fabrication technology is based on only one powder in the sintering process. This award funds a collaborative industry/university research project to develop a multi-material SLS which can fabricate parts composed of multiple materials. The research project consists of (1) design and development of a multi-material selective laser sintering machine capable of fabricating components containing material gradients; and (2) fabrication and testing of high stiffness-to-density ration components possessing shape optimization and metal-ceramic components possessing blended interfaces. The ultimate goal is to develop a prototype machine for further understanding of the physical principles of powder delivery for multi-materials based SLS. The technique has the potential to allow the creation of many unique components containing improved stiffness-to-density ratios or the creation of complex metal-ceramic components. The benefits of this technology include greatly reduced fabrication time and cost, and the capability to achieve in making multi-materials component in one operation. The project will be in partnership with industry to identify quantifiable requirements for implementation.
