Competence Centre on Unlimited Design and Additive Manufacturing

The project at a glance

Start date:
01 Oct 2023
Duration in months:
48
Funding:
FEDER
Principal Investigator(s)::
Slawomir KEDZIORA
Fatemeh MASHAYEKI

About

The Department of Engineering (DoE) of the University of Luxembourg is now proposing a Competence Centre on Unlimited Design and Additive Manufacturing (UDAM). Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is an emerging technology that builds up parts layer by layer directly from a computer-aided design (CAD) model. Therefore, it allows for complex geometries, higher accuracy, and cost efficiency while minimizing waste and environmental impact. This technology can produce unique parts tailored to the specific needs of different industries, e.g., aerospace, healthcare, automotive, consumer products, etc. AM has proven to contribute to the competitiveness of companies from different perspectives: lighter products by employing less material in a smarter way (design optimization) and/or using recyclable composite materials more efficiently; customization of products, design and test rapid prototypes of new products. AM has the potential to provide significant benefits to sustainable development. One key advantage of this technology is the production of complex designs, which can result in substantial reductions in scrap materials. Moreover, additive manufacturing enables the local production of parts, hence reducing the need for transportation and reducing the carbon footprint of the manufacturing industry. With this in mind, the Competence Centre in Unlimited Design and Additive Manufacturing was established within the University of Luxembourg (UDAM@UNI.LU) with regard to our existing 11-year-old FAB@UNI laboratory. The mission of the UDAM is to develop and share the know-how in additive manufacturing, leading to greater economic empowerment benefits for the Luxembourgish economy and, at the same time, contributing to more sustainable production. The Objectives of UDAM are to collaborate with companies in innovative research projects, share knowledge to intensify the know-how in AM by training students and engineers and creating awareness of the advantages of AM for companies, support companies in materials engineering and design perspectives, adequate testing, modelling methods in preparing prototypes, and using the potential of the 3D printing technology for outreach activities and research activities in related fields. The project will lead to prototypes, scientific publications, presentations in conferences, training, and educational materials, and road mapping the industry in Luxembourg in several aspects, i.e., development of AM, advanced sustainable materials, innovative designs, modelling, and introducing new applications.