EPSRC logo

Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R32345/01
Title: Direct Route to the Production of Metallic Components using Selective Laser Sintering Technology
Principal Investigator: Fox, Dr P
Other Investigators:
Sutcliffe, Professor CJ O'Neill, Professor W
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Ford Motor Co H K Technologies Ltd Hasbro
Department: School of Engineering
Organisation: University of Liverpool
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 2001 Ends: 30 September 2004 Value (£): 272,570
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Processing
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
GR/R32222/01 GR/R32239/01
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
There is a world wide interest in enhancing the capability of the selective laser sintering process (SLS) for metal powders to a level where it can become a standard manufacturing process. The powder systems that are now commercially processed are restricted to low hardness materials, which are not the materials mainly required by industry, who are looking to manufacture from tool steels. This project aims to enhance the take up of SLS processing by industry by: designing an alloy specifically for use with SLS that meets the needs of industry, modifying the powder size distribution and particle shape so as to maximise the properties of the final material produced and optimising the process parameters of the laser sintering by researching into the interactions between the laser and the powders. The research will be carried out using both continuous and pulsed laser systems to determine the most favourable conditions. This will include examining the roles of environment time/temperature-interactions and surface tension effects. Trial parts will be manufactured for the projects industrial collaborators to test.
Key Findings
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Potential use in non-academic contexts
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Impacts
Description This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Summary
Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.liv.ac.uk