Study provides insight into solute transport and solidification mechanisms in AM

Researchers at Queen Mary University, London (QMUL), worked in collaboration with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Materials, and Leicester University to develop the new model.

AM, or 3D printing, is a rapidly growing technology with the potential to ‘revolutionise’ many industries. However, AM parts are said to be susceptible to defects, such as porosities and cracks, which can limit their performance and reliability.

The study, published in Nature Communications, is said to provide new insights into the solute transport and solidification mechanisms in AM, which could lead to the development of new materials and processes for 3D printing.

Solute trapping is a phenomenon that occurs when solute elements are concentrated in certain regions of a solidification front. Researchers said that this can lead to the formation of non-equilibrium microstructures, which can be detrimental to the properties of AM parts.