Our modeling does stop when the printer does. At MRL, we try to eliminate the need for extra post-processing steps through process optimization, but we recognize that a stress relief, heat treatment, or hot isostatic pressing (HIP) step often helps to achieve the desired final properties. By managing both optimizations in our iCAAM software, we create a tool in which the user can tailor the process and post-process together to meet the design requirements. Microstructure models are crucial for post-processing, to prevent evolution of adverse crystallographic phases and structures.. Therefore, CALPHAD calculations and thermal finite element models are supplemented with molecular dynamics and density functional theory simulations to provide the most complete picture of phase evolution during the post-processing step. The machine learning tools in iCAAM enable fast calculation and optimization of the post-processing recipe, and MRL’s facilities for high-throughput microstructure characterization and mechanical testing can efficiently return validation of the predicted results if desired.
Form, Fit, and Function.
MRL's model-optimized additive manufacturing methodology can produce high-quality parts from a wide range of metallic materials including Al, Ti, Fe, Ni, Mg, CoCr, and high entropy alloys using Electron or Laser Powder Bed Fusion or Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing.
One-stop Precision Machine Shop.
MRL can support all of your CNC, wire EDM, sawing, grinding, turning, and surface finishing needs to produce everything from small samples to finished components.
Full microstructure characterization.
We are equipped to measure and analyze your microstructure using optical light microscopy or SEM/EBSD.
Coupon and component testing.
MRL’s high-throughput multi-sample tension and fatigue test capability gets you results faster, at lower cost, without sacrificing quality. MRL can also perform static, quasi-static, cyclic, and dynamic tests on conventional sample geometries -- or design and fabricate custom test fixtures for sub- or component testing.
Controlled Surface Finish.
Surface roughness has a large impact on a material's fatigue performance, corrosion pitting potential, and inspectability. Using MRL's trade-secret electro-chemo-mechanical polishing process, we can create a smooth, mirror-like finish on anything from samples to complex components.
Material State Awareness.
MRL's long history and expertise with materials processing, microstructure characterization, crystallographic anisotropy, and data-science gives us a huge advantage in the interpretation of in-situ and ex-situ NDE data. Using Microstructure-informed NDE, we can help you obtain more information than you ever thought possible without ever cutting your part.
Micro, Meso, and Macro.
Whether you already know what you're looking for or are just beginning to explore the impact of microstructure on the quality of your products, MRL can assist you in all aspects of quantitative metallography and texture analysis including design of experiments, sample preparation, data collection, interpretation, statistical analysis, and reporting.
Sometimes things break.
There's a plethora of information present on any given fracture surface -- it helps to have MRL's expertise in materials, manufacturing, characterization, and fatigue and fracture expertise to extract it and use it to identify the root cause and make corrective actions.
Design. Analyze. Optimize.
Whether you need continuum finite element simulations or want to explore micromechanical effects using fully coupled crystal plasticity, MRL's Modeling & Simulation eam can help you through all aspects of a product's life cycle including development, design optimization, manufacturing (forging, heat treatment), and failure analysis.
From monotonic to cyclic.
MRL is committed to model-based, sensor-assisted qualification of low-volume production parts so we've developed a suite of physics-based performance-prediction tools to predict many design-relevant factors including strength and fatigue. Through transfer of learning we can quickly adapt these models to solve your most challenging problems.