Division of Engineering
The AM equipment at Edinburgh University
The experimental AM facility at Edinburgh University is a state-of-the-art system incorporating a sophisticated ultrasonic inter-electrode gap measurement
system and a control/monitoring system, which is capable of resolving process characteristics and dependancies to a high degree. The system also incorporates
an advanced electrolyte pumping system that is capable of supplying high flow volumes at high pressures without pulsation.
Using ultrasound to measure the inter-electrode gap
Ultrasound transducers are used to measure the thickness of a workpiece while it is undergoing AM. This information
is linked with tool feed data to calculate a gap between the tool and workpiece.
Weld defect sampling system
Because sea water is a natural electrolyte, AM can be performed in undersea operations. The machine in the picture
below is sampling weld material underwater. Cracks in welding in this environment are costly to repair, this sampler
can remove sections of weld material for analysis on the surface. If the crack is only superficial, removing it by
using the weld sampler improves the strength of the weld.
Pipe cutting tool
In a similar principle to the defect sampler, this tool pictured was developed as a prototype to cut pipes in a sub-sea environment.
For more information on sub-sea AM developments from the University of Edinburgh click this link.
Or to view/download the whole slideshow click here.