Research Facilities

Simulations

Software design tools are available for part drawings (SolidWorks), 3D printing part build design (Materialize and Magics) and simulations (Moldex3D) at the University of Louisville. Additionally, MIG also has access to licenses for 3D CAD simulation software ANSYS. For materials design as well as selection of materials and processes, the group has CES Selector and Edupack tools. Thermocalc is available for alloy design. In addition, all major instrumentation and process equipment are equipped with their own software.

Characterization

A Goettfert capillary rheometer integrated with pressure-volume-temperature and thermal conductivity measurements is available at MIG.  In addition various tools for measuring powder characteristics including a Micromeritics helium pycnometer and Hall flow, angle of repose measurements and tap density are available at MIG. Further, metallography tools, Vickers and Rockwell hardness, particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, tensile testing, and thermal analysis (heat capacity, thermogravimetric analysis) are also available at the Conn Center.

Processing

3D printing machines: Concept Laser – Metal 3D printer is available at MIG. FDM 3D printers (Makergear M2, Z-Morph), torque rheometer for identifying suitable powder-polymer compositions and making filaments for FDM printing, twin-screw extruder for producing powder-polymer mixtures and making filaments for FDM printing, several molds, tube and box furnaces to 1800oC in air, nitrogen, or hydrogen for debinding and sintering are available at MIG.  The Mechanical Engineering Department also has a machine shop to support most common fabrication needs.