Selective Laser Melting for Functionally graded material (SLAMFunc) is a DTI funded project to research the creation of functionally graded parts using Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM). ALM, unlike traditional manufacturing processes, works by building up layers of material to form a net shape rather than staring with a solid block of material and removing what is not required. Manufacturing using ALM saves material and energy wastage but also offers the opportunity to make parts which blend from one material to another or which have different material properties throughout the same part.
The overall aim of the project is to improve upon the existing SLM technology to allow multi-material SLM to give functionally graded materials produced using SLM to end user partners whilst producing better, easier to use software and hardware and thus pushing the frontier of SLM technology.
Exeter Advanced Technologies (X-AT), Dynamic-Ceramic, Extec, FeONIC, J&S Marine, MCP (Mining and Chemical Products), Simpleware, University of Exeter
SLAMFunc is sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry.