1. Additive Manufacturing of High-Performance Metallic Alloys and Advanced Ceramics
This research theme focuses on using state-of-the-art Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques to advance high-performance metallic alloys (e.g., Al-Sc, Inconel, Nb-rich TiAl) and ceramics (e.g., SiC, Al2O3) tailored for Canada’s Defence, Energy, Aerospace, and Biomedical industries. AM enables the design of complex, high-temperature materials, superalloys, and ceramics with improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness for extreme and demanding environments. By developing new materials and refining AM processes, this research theme drives innovation across these industries and enhances Canada’s AM capabilities, supporting sustainable, resilient manufacturing solutions.
2. Data-Driven Process Monitoring and Optimization
This research theme focuses on optimizing AM processes through real-time data analysis and advanced computational tools. In-situ monitoring captures essential data directly from the process, enabling instant insights into quality and performance at every step. This data-driven approach allows for informed manufacturing, where real-time information minimizes defects and enhances efficiency. Real-time adjustment and optimization provide adaptive control over manufacturing parameters, achieving desired outcomes automatically. Advanced machine learning-aided computational modelling simulates processes and predicts outcomes, guides real-time adjustments, and improves the system continuously by recognizing correlations and anticipating potential quality issues. This approach enhances process reliability, reduces waste, and boosts product quality, paving the way for sustainable, high-precision manufacturing across diverse industries.
3. Applications & Technology Transfer
In the ANGAM Lab, we focus on developing process-driven solutions (e.g., optimized laser-material interactions for defect-free products) in AM of metallic and ceramic materials that are used in structural components of future energy systems (e.g., hydrogen energy systems, advanced nuclear energy systems, thermal energy storage) and dual-use applications in the energy, defence, aerospace, space, biomedical, and dentistry industries.
- Defence
- Develop ultra-high strength HEA (High Entropy Alloy) powder for both laser additive manufacturing and thermal spray coating with ultra-high strength.
- Fabricate metallic components (e.g., stainless steel, Inconel, Cu-Ni alloys, Stellite alloys) with tailored microstructures, mechanical and chemical properties, and performance. Target materials with high strength, chemical and fatigue life.
- Energy
- Fabricate materials with high corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance for applications in the energy sector (energy storage units, solid-state batteries, small modular reactors).
- Additive Manufacturing of Functionally Graded High-Performance Alloys containing Rare-Earth Metals for Hydrogen Storage and Transportation Applications.
- Materials for these applications require high pressure, corrosion, and erosion resistance as well as low susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement. Other vital mechanical properties include a low thermal expansion coefficient and high mechanical strength.
- Aerospace
- Develop functionally-graded materials with superior properties (e.g., high-temperature corrosion resistance) using mechanical alloying, laser-material interactions, and fusion-based additive manufacturing processes.
- Develop data-driven additive manufacturing solutions for the processing of exotic materials using laser powder-bed fusion and laser directed energy deposition processes.
- Apply advanced post-processing techniques (e.g., coating technologies, heat treatments, and surface treatments) to enhance the corrosion resistance of exotic materials that operate in harsh environments.
- Dentistry and Biomedical
- Design new feedstock materials that are compatible with the requirements and limitations of AM processes with an emphasis on the process-structure-performance relationships to produce high-performance dental components.
- Develop optimized manufacturing routes (e.g. feedstock material and post-processing) to obtain targeted outcomes in dental applications (e.g. superior mechanical performance with biological and esthetic considerations).
