AI accelerates the development of new materials
Unique research facility processes metal powders, metal wires and plastics
A research facility at the University of Kassel combines 3D printing, artificial intelligence and X-ray analysis to develop new materials in a more targeted manner.
A globally unique research facility is set to accelerate the development of new materials. Researchers at the University of Kassel can use it to produce materials layer by layer, examine their structure during manufacture and analyse the data obtained using artificial intelligence.
Real-time material development
The facility processes metal powders, metal wires and plastics. The chemical composition can be specifically varied during production. This enables numerous material samples to be produced in a short space of time, the properties of which can then be systematically compared.
A high-performance laboratory X-ray source makes it possible to examine the internal structure of the materials at the atomic level during production. Sensors and detectors record additional process data, which is analysed by AI algorithms. This is intended to create digital twins of the workpieces, which can be used to predict their future properties and behaviour.
The aim is to develop new alloys that exhibit properties similar to those of established materials, but without the need for critical raw materials such as rare earths. Potential applications include, amongst others, electric mobility.
