Electromagnetic methods for metal 3D printing

Dr. Imants Kaldre

Metal additive manufacturing is a rapidly growing new technology unlocking wide range of applications. High quality raw materials that have predictable properties and behaviour under heat impact are required. It is also necessary to ensure that molten metal behaves the same way every time. During metal additive manufacturing a small quantity of metal is melted by laser or by electric arc, which then solidifies at the required location. Control of the heat as well as liquid transfer during the melting and solidification is very important for ensuring accurate and controlled processing.

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) methods are known to be effective in controlling the liquid metal by Lorentz forces. There are several different MHD methods, e.g. static magnetic field, alternating magnetic field, pulsed magnetic field as well as their combinations, which can be used for various purposes to improve metal 3D printing. Both HZDR and UL has long term experience on research on applied MHD as well as materials science. In addition, HZDR has a strong expertise with conducing in situ studies of liquid metal flows and solidification using X-ray and neutron radiography. It is planned to combine the competences of HZDR in liquid metal radiography to study MHD flows with IPULs current research priority of metal additive manufacturing.

Objective of this project is to strengthen the cooperation between involved institutions (HZDR and IPUL), to increase the collaboration between the new researchers from both institutions on the topic of metal additive manufacturing and magnetohydrodynamic methods of metal material processing for various additive manufacturing purposes as well as electromagnetic method interaction on metal 3D printing process itself. This will be achieved by organizing exchange visits and joint seminars on this topic.

It is also planned to conduct first pilot X-ray radiography experiment in HZDR for understanding the limits and feasibility of the method to analyse and study the solidification of aluminium alloys, which are investigated in IPUL.

09.2024 – guest lecture in UL by representative of HZDR about the recent developments in liquid metal flow measurement techniques using X-ray radiography in HZDR. Martins Sarma.

11.2024 – guest lecture in HZDR by representatives of UL about the project and recent developments in UL on study of magnetohydrodynamic methods for 3D printing of metals research in related area. Lecturer Dr. Imants Kaldre, Dr. Matīss Kalvāns.

Direct: direct target group is researchers and PhD students of the both research groups participating in the meetings/workshops related to the scientific topics (radiography studies and additive manufacturing) and the discussions about the possible future of scientific collaboration and exchange.  Number: 10

Indirect: indirect target group is the visitors of the public seminar which will be given in University of Latvia and Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf during the visit of delegation from cooperation partner.  Number: 30