In-Space Additive Manufacturing Based on Metal Droplet Generation Using Drop-on-Demand Technique

Korkut V., Yavuz H.

JOURNAL OF MATERIALS ENGINEERING AND PERFORMANCE, cilt.31, sa.8, ss.6101-6111, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 31 Sayı: 8
  • Basım Tarihi: 2022
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s11665-022-06865-7
  • Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF MATERIALS ENGINEERING AND PERFORMANCE
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Chemical Abstracts Core, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, INSPEC, Metadex, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.6101-6111
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: droplet formation, drop on demand, in-space manufacturing, mechanical impact, metal additive manufacturing, DEPOSITION, SOLIDIFICATION
  • Çukurova Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Metal-based droplet deposition technique is a promising method for obtaining 3D circuits and micro-sized conductive structures. Practically, direct part manufacturing can be achieved via droplet generator systems efficiently. In this study, micro-scale droplets are formed by a vibrated actuator. Furthermore, vibration stroke can be adjusted by means of a precise mechanical restrictor. The effects of the input ejection parameters are investigated over the droplet properties such as diameter, velocity and deposition conditions. The deposition morphologies with different layouts are first classified through theoretical equations. Experiments are then performed to obtain the predicted deposition patterns. As a result, it is observed that the vibration amplitude and voltage directly affect the flight velocity, diameter and wetting characteristic of the droplet, thus the deposition performance. In this context, it has been proven that droplets can be deposited in desired patterns when ejection parameters are properly configured. With such system, metallic structures can be obtained in non-laboratory environments such as space stations and aerospace vehicles those have limited access to the equipment. The presented device is designed to be modifiable, maintainable and compact structure. Given the freedom of design and flexibility in manufacturing, such devices become promising candidates for use in space environments involving different gravitational conditions.