Research

The iMED research group works to resolve melting and solidification challenges in 3D printed metal materials for use in biomedical and aerospace applications. Doing so requires the integration of materials science and mechanochemistry into additive and hybrid manufacturing techniques. This work involves fabricating and testing custom materials for individual applications.

The iMED research group specializes in the fabrication of novel material systems for utilization in tissue engineering and bio-sensing applications. In doing so, principles of material processing, mechanochemistry, and additive fabrication are applied to fabricate and characterize materials to suit specific applications. In our lab, we are fabricating nanofibrous bio-composite scaffolds for bone-tissue applications. This involves a study of Cryomilled Zinc Sulfide for increased antibacterial activity.

Hybrid manufacturing allows for material to be added and removed in a single tool setup, saving both time and material in manufacturing and repair operations. The melting and cooling process during the metal deposition process, however, can yield undesirable part properties. Our group is investigating ideal parameters for hybrid laser deposition of metals for maximizing strength and tailoring surface roughness. Residual stresses and porosity must also be minimized in the final part, so identification of the key parameters to obtain all these objectives is under investigation.

Friction Stir Spot Welding (FSSW) has proven to be an effective method for layer deposition and fusion for rapid tool production, but gaps between layers continue to challenge this production method. Our group investigates ideal tool geometries for achieving fully-dense weld zones in FSSW.