Project

Application of Functionally Graded Materials to Extra-Large Structures

Acronym
Grade2XL
Code
41M06720
Duration
01 March 2020 → 31 August 2024
Funding
European funding: framework programme
Promotor
Research disciplines
  • Engineering and technology
    • Other civil and building engineering not elsewhere classified
Keywords
design
Other information
 
Project description

Large engineering structures like turbines, bridges or industrial machinery are still manufactured by traditional processes such as forging, casting or by machining from solid blocks. These processes do not allow local control of material properties to achieve a specific function like anti-corrosion or hardness. To meet the functional specifications, engineers must operate within a limited range of design options, with high “uy-to-fly”ratios and long lead times. Unlike any other metal AM technology, wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) produces fully dense metallic structures with no porosity. WAAM is also unbeatable in terms of production times, making it uniquely suited for large and functionally demanding engineering structures. In Grade2XL, we will demonstrate the potential of multi-material wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) for large scale structures. The high printing rate of WAAM, combined with the ability to control material properties down to the nanoscale, will allow us to build strong and durable engineering structures. Grade2XL will deliver multi-material products of superior quality and performance, cut lead times by up to 96% and enable massive cost savings for the maritime and energy industry, as well as for industrial machinery. These outputs will rapidly roll out to other sectors with similar key performance indicators and become an attractive investment opportunity for SMEs. This project will strengthen Europe’ capacity to drive manufacturing innovation globally and withstand growing competition from Asia.

 
Role of Ghent University
UGent focuses on the study of the microstructure of the materials and on the topology optimization.