RMIT Centre for Additive Manufacturing

What an exciting achievement from RCAM!   We’re thrilled to share another fantastic work from RCAM researchers.   The article titled “A comprehensive study on the biodegradability, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties of additively manufactured PLA-ZnO nanocomposites” is now out in the Journal of 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴.   The authors conducted a comprehensive study on the biological properties, mainly the biodegradability, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity of 3D-printed PLA-ZnO nanocomposites containing between 1 wt% to 5 wt% of either untreated or silane-treated filler. This study demonstrated that the concentration and surface properties of the filler control the matrix degradation rate, which directly influences the release rate of ZnO and Zn²⁺, thereby governing the antibacterial properties of the nanocomposites.   Congratulations to all authors: Wei Juene Chong, Paul Wright, Dejana Pejak Simunec, Srinivasan Jayashree, Winston Liew, Chad Heazlewood, Adrian Trinchi, Ilias (Louis) Kyratzis, Yuncang Li, Shirley Shen, Antonella Sola, and Cuie Wen on their fantastic work. 👏 Read more here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gx5hdT_K #additivemanufacturing #3dprinting #RCAM #rmituniversity #research

Exciting Announcement from RCAM! We’re thrilled to host Professor Philip Withers at the RMIT Centre for Additive Manufacturing for an exciting presentation on X-ray imaging: inside information on the performance of additively manufactured components on the 27th of November at 12 noon. It will be a face to face event hosted at the Advanced Manufacturing Precinct, 58 Cardigan St, Carlton. Prof. Phil Withers is currently on sabbatical at Monash University. He studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge and completed his PhD in metal matrix composites. He was the inaugural Director of the $100m bp International Centre for Advanced Materials and helped set up the Royce Institute for Advanced Materials, becoming its first Chief Scientist. The Royce Institute is a national institute that collaborates with several leading universities and research labs. His research focuses on imaging, modelling, and understanding the behaviour of materials in real time and 3D, often under demanding environments. He pioneered the use of synchrotron and lab X-ray CT, combined with electron and neutron beams, to study material behaviour. He established the Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility, which won the Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2014 and became the lead partner of the National Research Facility in Lab X-ray CT in 2020. #additivemanufacturing #3dprinting #RCAM #rmituniversity #centreforadditivemanufacturing RMIT School of Engineering | RMIT STEM College

I am looking forward to sharing a stage with esteemed colleagues - Ingomar Kelbassa, Peter Koerte, Alexander Jakschik and Frank Jablonski - and participate in the panel on "Industrialization of AM: Science and Research as an Enabler for Industrialization of AM", Industry Stage in hall 11.0 booth D72. It is a great opportunity to share what RMIT Centre for Additive Manufacturing 🇦🇺 , my startup Additive Assurance and many partners such as Fraunhofer IAPT 🇩🇪 and Fraunhofer IWS 🇩🇪 , Eurecat - Technology Centre 🇪🇸 are doing to help industrialise AM. Thank you to the Global Victoria Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions for supporting our presence at this important event. You will find me at FormNext2024 at the Stand in Hall 12.0 C02. #additivemanufacturing #qualitycontrol #research #universities #stratups RMIT STEM College | RMIT Centre for Additive Manufacturing | RMIT School of Engineering Matthew Wood| Anne Hiag | Gönül Serbest|Thorsten 霍獅騰 Terweiden| Daniel Casellas Padró

We’re excited to share another impactful publication from the RCAM team! Our researchers have investigated a novel approach to obtain microstructural and mechanical properties gradient in multi-material structures without interface defects by leveraging the link between the chemical composition and complex grain/phase morphology in #Ti6Al4V/Ti1Al8V5Fe cross-class microstructurally graded material (MGM). Here, the classic multi-material interface was replaced by the two additional intermixed alloy layers with unique chemical composition, microstructure and mechanical properties, with both ultimately making a significant contribution to the overall performance. Ultimately, a superior combination of strength and ductility was achieved in the hybrid structure after the custom heat treatment compared to the original materials or the as-built hybrid material. Importantly, the presented approach is not limited to titanium alloys and could be extended to other materials systems featuring a suitable compositional range to realise drastic changes in the phase and/or grain morphologies.   The article titled “The effect of interfacial alloy formation on the mechanical properties of the additively manufactured Ti6Al4V/Ti1Al8V5Fe microstructurally graded material” is now out in the 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔. Congratulations to all authors, Alexander Medvedev, Shenglu Lu, Ma Qian and Milan Brandt on their fantastic work. 👏 🌺 Read more about the paper: https://lnkd.in/gD7KEV2n #additivemanufacturing #3dprinting #RCAM #research #rmituniversity #microstructure

We’re excited to share that our latest research, "Extrusion 3D Printing of Intrinsically Fluorescent Thermoplastic Polyimide: Revealing an Undisclosed Potential," has been officially published in Polymers! This work showcases the great potential of 3D-printed thermoplastic polyimides (TPIs), with applications ranging from advanced sensors to aerospace components, all thanks to their unique fluorescence properties. The authors have fabricated a functional impeller using 3D-printed fluorescent TPI, replacing its metal counterpart. This study highlights TPI's potential for high-temperature applications and advanced industrial sensors, showcasing the powerful combination of TPI, 3D printing, and fluorescence for future innovations. Congrats to Prem Kothavade, Abdullah Kafi, Chaitali Dekiwadia, Viksit Kumar, Santhosh Babu Sukumaran, Kadhiravan Shanmuganathan and Stuart Bateman on their latest work. 👏 Find more here: https://lnkd.in/gEu9jmFg #additivemanufacturing #3dprinting #RCAM #rmituniversity #centreforadditivemanufacturing #research

Additive manufacturing (AM) allows for the creation of complex lattice structures that cannot be produced using conventional manufacturing methods.   Our centre's researchers have conducted a study on a hybrid continuum-beam method proposed for the systematic optimisation of strut cross-sections. A representative unit cell is simulated using continuum elements, and the local strut stress tensor is acquired through embedded beam elements that act as virtual extensometers. By integrating a computationally inexpensive beam model into a more robust continuum model, the volume and quality of data returned are significantly increased, while being provided in a readily usable format for optimisation techniques, with only a trivial increase in computational cost.   The article titled, “A hybrid continuum‑beam optimisation model: the virtual extensometer method for efficient optimisation of lattice materials” is now out in the 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴.   Congrats to all authors, Jason Dash, Bill Lozanovski, David Downing, Jordan Noronha, Darpan Shidid, Mahyar Khorasani, Ma Qian, Milan Brandt and Martin Leary on their fantastic work." 🌺 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gFAmbZ6c #additivemanufacturing #3dprinting #research #RCAM #rmituniversity

We are excited to share a new publication from our centre! The article titled, “Effect of oxygen on the microstructure, tensile properties and deformation behaviours of a biocompatible Ti40Zr25Nb25Ta10 high entropy alloy” is now available in the 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆.   The authors have investigated the effect of oxygen on the microstructure, mechanical properties and deformation behaviours of as-cast biocompatible Ti40Zr25Nb25Ta10Ox (x = 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 at.%) high entropy alloys (HEAs). They found that each oxygen-doped HEA exhibited notable discontinuous yielding, highlighting the sensitivity of the Ti40Zr25Nb25Ta10 HEA to oxygen. The results indicate that an addition of 0.5 at.% oxygen maintains a good balance of strength and ductility, thereby extending the flexibility of manufacturing this alloy in terms of oxygen content.   Congrats to all authors, Labani Mustafi, MIEAust, V.T. Nguyen, Tingting Song, Q. Deng, L. Jiang, Xiao-Bo Chen, Daniel Fabijanic and Ma Qian on their latest work. 👏 🌺 Read more about the paper here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gWiJDFbt #additivemanufacturing #3dprinting #RCAM #research #rmituniversity #microstructure

We are excited to introduce Jose Manuel Crego Lozares, an outstanding PhD candidate joining our team! José is pursuing a double PhD through the REDI Program, a collaboration between RMIT University and Institut für Laser- und Anlagensystemtechnik / iLAS at Hamburg University of Technology. Guided by his supervisors Andrey Molotnikov, Milan Brandt, Alexander Medvedev, and Claus Emmelmann, José has been working intensively at the RMIT Centre for Additive Manufacturing. His research focuses on the innovative use of powder bed fusion (#PBF-#LB/M) to develop multi-material components, particularly a copper/nickel superalloy pair. This project aims to overcome the challenges of physical and chemical property mismatches at the material interface, targeting superior heat conduction and structural integrity. The initial findings from his research will be a pivotal part of his thesis and are set to be published soon. We are thrilled about the potential impact of José’s work and look forward to sharing his exciting results. Welcome, José! 🌺 #additivemanufacturing #3dprinting #REDIProgram #PhD #research #RCAM #rmituniversity #multimaterial

Titanium–diamond (TiD) is a novel composite that offers biocompatible, three-dimensional, multilateral structures. Researchers from the RMIT Centre for Additive Manufacturing have investigated powder-deposition and print optimization strategies to overcome the dual-functionality gap by printing bulk #TiD parts. They found that printing-specific conditions significantly affect the integrity of the printed part, providing optimal manufacturing parameters for structural integrity as determined by micro-computed tomography, nanoindentation, and biocompatibility of #TiD parts. The hardness, ultimate tensile strength, and yield strength for #TiD are 4–6 GPa (depending on build position), 426 MPa, and 375 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, increasing the diamond composition to 30% results in higher osteoblast viability and lower bacteria count than titanium. The article titled "𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺–𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀: 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗩𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆" is now out in the 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴. Congratulations to all authors, Nour M., Nhiem Tran, Alan Jones, Azadeh Mirabedini, Shadi Houshyar, and Prof. Kate Fox, on their fantastic work. 👏 🌹 Find more here:https://lnkd.in/gtmDgaeH #additivemanufacturing #3dprinting #RCAM #research #rmituniversity

We’re pleased to introduce one of our PhD candidates, Joey Tallon, who recently successfully completed his second milestone review under the supervision of Andrey Molotnikov and Dr Justin Dirrenberger from CNAM, Paris France. Joey is part of the REDI Program (RMIT European Doctoral Innovators) program, a unique PhD training initiative designed to prepare future leaders through a combination of academic excellence and industry experience. He is currently marking the halfway point of his research stay at the RMIT Centre for Additive Manufacturing.   Joey's research focuses on hybrid lattice structures, an innovative area that combines different materials to create lightweight yet incredibly strong structures. These lattices are engineered to have a unique combination of properties—such as high strength-to-weight ratios, energy absorption capabilities, and impact resistance—making them ideal for use in industries like aerospace, automotive, and biomedical engineering. By optimizing these hybrid lattices, we could see advancements in everything from more efficient aircraft to medical implants that better integrate with human tissue. Joey said, "As I move into the next phase of my research, I’m keen to explore the complexities of these structures and discover new possibilities for their use. A big thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. We wish him all the best in his research and look forward to the results. 🌺 #additivemanufacturing #3dprinting #RCAM #REDIProgram #rmituniversity