Incremental solidification (toward 3D-printing) of magnetically-confined metal-powder by localized microwave heating

• Mihael Fugenfirov ^[1] ; Yehuda Meir ^[1] ; Amir Shelef ^[1] ; Yuri Nerovny ^[1] ; Eli Aharoni ^[1] ; Eli Jerby ^[1]
  1. [1] Tel Aviv University

     Tel Aviv University

     Israel

     
• Localización: Compel: International journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, ISSN 0332-1649, Vol. 37, Nº 6, 2018, págs. 1918-1932
• Idioma: inglés
• Enlaces
  • Texto completo
• Resumen

  • Purpose This paper aims to present an experimental and theoretical study oriented to investigate the potential use of localized microwave-heating (LMH) in 3D-printing and additive-manufacturing (AM) processes.

    Design/methodology/approach Following a previous study by the authors, a magnetic confinement technique is developed here as a non-contact support for the incremental solidification by LMH of small metal-powder batches. This approach, which saves the need for a mechanic support in contact with the powder-batch during the microwave heating, may significantly simplify the LMH–AM process.

    Findings The powder properties are characterized, and a theoretical LMH model is used to simulate the LMH mechanism dominated here by magnetic eddy currents.

    Originality/value The experimental products are analyzed, and their hardness, porosity and oxidation are evaluated. Practical considerations and further improvements of the non-contact LMH–AM process are discussed.