A comparative study between binder jetting and powder bed fusion additive manufacturing processes for metallic materials

About the Project

This PhD project will explore the capabilities of novel metal binder jetting additive manufacturing process for metallic materials, in particular the materials that are compatible for metal injection moulding (MIM) process. The surface integrity, mechanical, thermal and tribological properties of the built parts will be compared against parts produced via powder bed fusion process from equivalent materials.

The School of Engineering at Cardiff University has recently acquired a research and development focussed metal binder jetting machine which is the 1st of its kind in the UK. Metal binder jetting has profound opportunities for producing intricate mesoscale parts for aerospace, automotive, biomedical, marine and aesthetic sectors. The student will have the opportunity to work along the world-class research groups in Cardiff and to interact with other eminent UK universities and industry.

The student will be working within the High-Value Manufacturing Group’s two major research labs - Additive Manufacturing and Micro and Nano-manufacturing. The student will receive training in the following experimental techniques:

• Powder bed fusion process.
• Metal binder jetting process.
• Surface and mechanical integrity analysis.

Throughout the project, the scientific communication skills of the student will be developed through presentation at conferences and preparing scientific articles for publication.

Academic Criteria

Candidates should hold a good bachelor’s degree (first or upper second-class honours degree) or an MEng/MSc degree in a relevant engineering/science subject.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)