The AMIEE Lab at MU has acquired a state-of-the-art TruPrint 2000 metal laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) system, a groundbreaking addition that establishes the university as a leader in advanced manufacturing research and education. This cutting-edge 3D printing technology, equipped with dual lasers for enhanced productivity, will empower researchers and students across various disciplines to explore new frontiers in materials science, engineering, and beyond.

The TruPrint 2000 system, produced by TRUMPF, a global leader in industrial laser technology, utilizes a powerful laser to melt and fuse fine metal powders layer by layer, building complex three-dimensional parts with exceptional precision and design flexibility. This acquisition will enable researchers to develop innovative materials, learn how to optimize AM processes, and educate future engineers.

The TruPrint 2000 system will be housed in Lafferre Hall and will be accessible to researchers and students across various departments, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and driving innovation. This acquisition marks a significant investment in MU's commitment to providing world-class research facilities and educational opportunities.

Pamphlet

“Reactive Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Borated Aluminum Alloy 6061 for Nuclear Applications,” Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); Period of Performance: 10/2024 – 09/2027, Scott Thompson (PI), John Gahl (Co-PI). Award # 31310024M0053.

We are working with Auburn University and Tuskegee University,

Research focuses on determining the impact of finely-dispersed boron on the structural and shielding capabilities of additively manufactured (AMed) aluminum alloy 6061 (AA-6061) in nuclear environments. Employing Reactive Additive Manufacturing (RAM) through laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), this project aims to overcome the hot cracking challenges associated with AM of AA-6061 by introducing ceramic elements for enhanced manufacturability and grain refinement. Comprehensive testing including Vickers microhardness, tensile strength at room and high temperatures, and advanced microscopy (SEM, EBSD, TEM) will be conducted on both irradiated and non-irradiated samples to analyze radiation-induced damage and neutron attenuation. Ultimately, this project aims to facilitate the safer, more efficient incorporation of AA-6061 in advanced nuclear reactor designs, targeting applications where superior strength-to-weight and costs are important.

10/01/2023

Thompson has received a nearly $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to innovate a technique for additively manufacturing raw earth materials sustainably and in any location. The cross-disciplinary, two-year project, "Off-grid construction via sustainable compression curing of vegetable oil-impregnated sediments," includes co-principal investigators at Kansas State University and Georgia Southern University.

Awarded through the NSF's Future Manufacturing program, the project aims to use solar-powered compression and curing techniques to 3D-print building materials made of tung oil and local terrain for sustainable, raw earth construction. In addition, the team will develop an alternate means for building remotely in any condition or location, even the surface of the moon.

10/01/2020

Thompson has received funding from the Department of Energy (DOE) to study the effects of neutron irradiation on additive-manufactured part degradation. The project, which involves the collaboration with the University of Missouri's Research Reactor and Auburn University, is entitled: "Determining the Effects of Neutron Irradiation on the Structural Integrity of Additively Manufactured Heat Exchangers for Very Small Modular Reactor Applications".  The project aims to determine how to best use laser-powder bed fusion additive manufacturing methods for generating radiation-resistant channel/pore-embedded structures from Inconel (alloy 625 or 718) nickel-based superalloys for special purpose reactor (i.e. very small modular reactor) heat exchangers.

DOE awarded more than $28.5 million through its Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) to support 40 university-led nuclear energy research and development projects in 23 states. NEUP seeks to maintain U.S. leadership in nuclear research across the country by providing top science and engineering faculty and their students with opportunities to develop innovative technologies and solutions for civil nuclear capabilities.