slamfunc

• SlamFunc partners
• Exeter Advanced Technologies
• School of Engineering, Computer Sciences & Mathematics
• University of Exeter

• SLAMFunc is sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry.

What is slamfunc?

Selective Laser Melting for Functionally graded material (SLAMFunc) is a DT| funded project to research the creation of functionally graded parts using Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM).  ALM, unlike traditional manufacturing processes, works by building up layers of material to form a net shape rather than staring with a solid block of material and removing what is not required. Manufacturing using ALM saves material and energy wastage but also offers the opportunity to make parts which blend from one material to another or which have different material properties throughout the same part. 

The SLAMFunc workpackages break down as follows:

• Preliminary Tasks and Studies
• Process Materials - Morphology & Development
• Material Handling and Deposition (Hardware)
• Laser system development (Hardware)
• Control system development (Software)
• User interface system development (Software)
• Full system trialling.
• End user partner product development

The overall aim of the project is to improve upon the existing SLM technology to allow multi-material SLM to give functionally graded materials produced using SLM to end user partners whilst producing better, easier to use software and hardware and thus pushing the frontier of SLM technology.

MCP (Mining and Chemical Products) bring to the project the MCP Realizer, a new rapid tooling machine which makes 100% dense parts from metal powder. For more information on the MCP Realizer system, see the MCP website (www.mcp-group.com).

Dynamic-Ceramic Limited specialises in advanced ceramic manufacturing. Dynamic-Ceramic are recogonised as one of the UK's leading specialist producers of "Transformation Toughened" Zirconia ceramics. For further information visit the Dynamic-Ceramic website (www.dynacer.com)

FeONIC specialises in the conceptualisation, design, development and commercialisation of products based on Smart Materials. They are an end-user partner in the project and will help to drive development of smart materials such as magneto-strictives. FeONIC's website has further details (www.feonic.co.uk).

J&S Marine are a leading UK based company involved in the Energy system and Defense markets. As an end-user partner in the project, part of their role is to design and test parts using the new functionally graded materials produced by the project in order to further the state of their product range. More information on J&S Marine can be found on their website (www.jsmarine.co.uk).

Simpleware provides robust, fast and easy conversion of 3D images into high quality meshes for finite element analysis, computer aided design and rapid prototyping / manufacturing. The SLAMFUNC project uses their expertise in handling 3D model files to create and manage better virtual parts before production. For more information on Simpleware, visit their website (www.simpleware.co.uk).

University of Exeter is one of the UK’s most popular and successful universities with the Streatham campus widely regarded as one of the most attractive in Britain. The University has excellent links with business and community organisations and aims to integrate these into all its work. Staff in all disciplines are encouraged to build partnerships with external organisations to enhance and support their teaching and research and to act entrepreneurially in order to develop commercially relevant intellectual property, consultancy and professional development services. Each year, over 700 projects are undertaken with a value of around £10m. For further information about the University, see their website (www.exeter.ac.uk).

The School of Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics (SECaM) (www.secam.ex.ac.uk) is internationally recognised for its research in a wide range of subjects spanning all disciplines of engineering, computer science and mathematics, and has active MSc and PhD programmes. In August 2003, the School of Engineering and Computer Science and the School of Mathematical Sciences joined forces to become the School of Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics (SECaM). Although admissions are administered on a Departmental basis, the opportunity to collaborate more easily in research areas is of great benefit.

Exeter Advanced Technologies (www.x-at.co.uk), based within SECaM forms an important alliance between the academic facilities and expertise based in the Schoo,l and local, nataional and international industry. The group consists of expertise in electronics, software, materials, product design and manufacturing. These skillsets are uniquely pooled to address a wide range of research projects and industrially driven problems.