Principal Investigators: Wiezorek, Jorg, Meenakshisundram Ravi Shankar
University: University of Pittsburgh
Industry Partners: 6K Additive
The University of Pittsburgh led project in collaboration with 6kAdditive (6K) will study technologies for upconverting Ti-alloy machining chip-scrap secondary feedstocks into high-value stream Ti-alloy powders for the powder metallurgy (PM) and additive manufacturing (AM) sectors. The research exploits the structural and microstructural attributes of machining chips in an innovative ambient temperature mechanical attrition assisted hydriding process to attain blocky Ti-hydride powders. Subsequently, the energy-frugally obtained blocky powders are converted to spheroidal Ti-alloy powders via microwave plasma processing. This delivers Ti alloy powders optimized in size and composition for both PM and AM applications. The proposed research envisions the development of a manufacturing pathway offering ~50% improved energy efficiency of Ti powder manufacturing. This research also enables transforming currently underutilized secondary scrap feedstock into a high-value stream product – Ti powder. This is a critical input needed for an array of emerging advanced manufacturing industries in Pennsylvania in the biomedical and aerospace sectors.