The development of structural shape-memory alloys dates back the 1940s and 1950s, being the most employed alloy the well-known Nitinol (or NiTi). Due to the shape memory effect, these functional metals have the ability to be deformed and recover their shape when heated. In a nutshell, these functional effects deliver high stresses, therefore enabling Nitinol to be used as an actuator. However, their use in main stream functional-structural applications has been somehow hindered mainly to their complex processing, machining, and high reactivity. Additive manufacturing has the potential to mitigate these drawbacks, as near-net shape parts can be produced with lesser manufacturing steps and higher materials savings. In our recent publication https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1464420720975059 we have shown that NiTi alloys can be successfully additively manufactured with electron beam free forming fabrication (EBF3), also known as wire-based electron beam additive manufacturing (w-EBAM). The project has been led by Rafael Paiotti, project assistant and PhD candidate at BMK Endowed Professorship of Aviation in close collaboration with Florian Pixner from the Joining Technology group  Printed parts were tested in cooperation with Institute for Chemistry and Technology of Materials, under ad-hoc consultancy of Embraer.
Contact: Univ. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sergio Amancio

The best students are in great demand at all institutions in order to collaborate in research projects as well as in teaching. As a consequence, the ESP – IMAT Elite Student Programme for Materials Science, Joining and Forming was launched in the academic year 2016/17 to enable high-potential students to be in an interesting programme.  We welcome our new Elite Students for the academic year 2020/21.

furhter information ...

the guest lecture is canceled.

Vienna, 9/26/2020

The 1^st Meeting of the Brazilian Scientific Diaspora was held on 9/26/20, in Vienna, with the presence of the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations, Mr. Marcos Pontes, the Ambassador of Brazil in Vienna, José Antônio Marcondes de Carvalho, and 21 researchers, residing in Austria and Slovakia. The meeting was opened with the words of the Ambassador of Brazil to Austria, which was followed by a speech by Minister Marcos Pontes and interactive debate with members of the diaspora. In his opening speech, Ambassador Marcondes highlighted the importance of observing the phenomenon of emigration of qualified professionals from the perspective of networks formed by researchers, instead of a concept exclusively of “brain drain”. He noted the diversity of present researchers, coming from different regions of Austria, and with different areas of expertise. The Brazilian Ambassador stressed the fact that ‘Brazil is an innovative and creative country’ and mentioned ‘the mobilization of Brazilian scientific diasporas abroad as one of the main tools to increase the scientific and technological cooperation between Austria and Brazil.’

Minister Marcos Pontes – an engineer and retired NASA astronaut - welcomed the organization of the meeting of the Brazilian scientific community in Austria, highlighting the importance of technology in human development and the fundamental role played by science, technology and innovation. Following topics were discussed in this meeting: (a) exchange of Brazilian and Austrian students, by supporting partnerships between research and teaching institutions in both countries; (b) identification of new R&D trends in Austria as a way to contribute to the establishment of new topics in Brazil; (c) Creation of an association for the Brazilian diaspora in Austria to foster the above-mentioned topics.

Marina Melo Gontijo, Willian Sales de Carvalho and Prof. Sergio Amancio (in the picture with Minister Marcos Pontes) had the honor of representing TU Graz and IMAT in this important event. Prof. Amancio had the chance to discuss current and future developments in the field of materials science and manufacturing with Minister Pontes.

Prof. Sommitsch is Speaker at the 11. Ranshofenener Leichtmetalltage

"Leichtmetalle, Werkstoff- und Prozesstechnologien im Kontext von Dekarbonisierung und Digitalisierung"

The widely known and respected newspaper “Der Standard” publishes weekly a portrait of a young talent from science in the column called “Geistesblitz”. Researchers working in Austria are interviewed and invited to tell about their work, motivation and a small personal insight.

Marina Gontijo, one of the PhDs at IMAT, was invited to share about her work in this column, published on the 4^th of March.

the article

The publication of IMAT team brings new insight to the successful printing process of the neodymium-based magnets.The paper describes in an detailed way behaviour of the material molten by laser and its influence on the final magnetic properties of a 3D printed component.

published:

https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/13/1/139

One step closer to effective 3D printing of super-strong magnets. The team of IMAT / TU Graz researchers developed an effective 3D printing process of NdFeB magnets. Next goal is to translate the lesson learned to another promising material: FeCrCo.

THE ARTICLE

more arcticles:

https://www.pressetext.com/news/nachhaltige-supermagnete-aus-dem-3d-drucker.html

http://www.elektroniknet.de/markt-technik/industrie-40-iot/3d-druck-macht-seltene-erden-ueberfluessig-173074.html

https://www.studium.at/forscher-stellen-hochleistungsmagnete-3d-drucker-her

The Chamber of Commerce of Styria awarded the WKO Research Promotion Prize to 19 fellows and institutes this year. Mr. Anto Zelic received for his outstanding master’s thesis, which he carried out at our IMAT institute and under the supervision of Mr. Florian Pixner, the research prize of EUR 2,100 that was given by Mr. Josef Herk, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Styria on December 4, 2019 as part of the official grant ceremony. In total there were 5 scholarship holders from TU Graz.

We congratulate quite cordially!

further information

The AddLab@tugraz has recently started as cooperation between the two institutes IMAT (Institute of Materials Science, Joining and Forming) and IFT (Institute of Production Engineering) in the area of metal additive production using selective powder printing techniques. Currently two printers are available:

• the SLM solutions 280 HL printer focuses on the printing process, the optimisation of the topology and the printing of comlex parts particularly of stainless steel
• the printer Coherent ORLAS Creator RA is used in the area of materials research in particular of Ti alloys and magnetic materials as well as for the research topics reduction of support structures and the use of optimized powder

It is planned to extend together the AddLab@tugraz regarding technologies and materials

The international student project marathon was a cooperation between Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) and Graz University of Technology. The IMAT was involved in two out of six projects.

The Student Project Marathon

The 14^th Materials Day of the Institute of Materials Science, Joining and Forming of Graz University of Technology took place on November 28, 2019 and focused on innovative solutions in modern joining technology. In the beautiful assembly hall, Rector Prof. Harald Kainz welcomed around 130 participants coming from science and business, among them selected students of the vocational education and training college – HTL Mödling. In his opening speech, he introduced the impressive development of Graz University of Technology and responded to the contribution on this success of Em.Prof. Horst Cerjak, the person celebrating his big birthday. The head of the institute, Prof. Christof Sommitsch, subsequently paid tribute to his predecessor Em.Prof. Dr.mont. Horst Cerjak on his 80^th birthday by pointing out selected contributions from his very fulfilling and and successful professional life. Afterwards Prof. Sommitsch presented an overview of the ongoing and prospective main topics of the institute.

In the first block of the event, two specialist lectures on current research topics were presented. Mr. F. Pixner talked about the wire based additive manufacturing as part of joining technology and Dr. M. Skalon presented the powder bed process, where he focused his lecture on an innovative approach to parameter development of new powders. After the coffee break Prof. G. Wilhelm, who also works for Lorch Schweißtechnik GmbH, introduced his research results of the MSG build-up welding processes of iron-tungsten pseudo-alloys under consideration of the welding process. Mr. E. Wagner focused then on the current situation of the additive manufacturing with electron beam in general and in particular on features at pro-beam GmbH. Ms. A. Putz presented parts of her PhD thesis in the field of flux-cored wire welding of standard duplex steel, notably the very innovative AHT method. After lunch, Mr. Th. Willidal (voestalpine Böhler welding Austria) presented the concept of the flux cored wire in general and in particular the implementation for a nickel-based alloy. Mr. H. Staufer from Fronius International GmbH, demonstrated the possibilities and potential of the laser-MAG tandem hyprid process in terms of the large tolerance to variable gap dimensions. Next, Prof. Amancio presented selected methods for joining dissimilar compounds, paying particular attention to the friction-based processes. The last presentation of Ass.Prof. Domitner focused on the simulation of self-pierce riveting in modern car body construction.

At the end of the seminar guided tours through the labs of the institute were offered. Summing up the Materials Day showed current trends and innovative solutions in modern joining technology from a scientific and industrial point of view and everybody had the chance of interdisciplinary discussions and networking.

further upcoming events

On November 7, 2019 Prof. Sergio Amancio delivered his cutting-edge Inaugural Lecture at TU Graz with the title: Flying fast forward: Innovative hybrid materials and manufacturing technologies for aviation. In his talk he addressed the historical aspects of lightweight materials and structures in modern civil aviation and presented the latest developments on manufacturing of lightweight hybrid structures for future airplanes. The focus of Prof. Amancio’s lecture was set on novel joining and additive manufacturing techniques for metals, composites and metal-composite structures.

pictures of the event

Mr. Josef Plangger, Master student at the IMAT Institute, has received the this year’s “Richard Marek Award” for his article „Process development for additive manufacturing of a crane component“ within the scope of the fair „Schweissen 2019“ in Linz. Congratulations!

The award was handed over by the speaker of the presidium of the ÖGS, Mr. Guido Reuter. The prize was given for innovative solutions in welding technology.

further information

you will find us ...

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Programmheft

Mateusz Skalon hat ein innovatives Pulver für den 3D-Metalldruck entwickelt und arbeitet nun an dessen Marktreife.

An der TU Graz wurde ein Stahlpulver für die additive Fertigung entwickelt, das die Produktion komplexer Bauteile entscheidend vereinfacht. In einem Spin-Off-Förderprogramm wird nun an der Marktreife gearbeitet.

Kürzere Produktionszeiten, geringere Kosten und weniger Produktionsfehler: Dies sind nur einige Gründe, warum die metallverarbeitende Industrie immer öfter additive Verfahren einsetzt. 

... zum Artikel

Recently the STYRIAM METALS team took part in Fifteen Seconds Festival from 6 - 7 June 2019 in Graz and gave a pitch about the product.

STYRIAM METALS is a start-up team located in Graz (Styria, Austria) at TU Graz working on metallic powders for Additive Manufacturing.

Head of the team is Mr. Mateusz Skalon from IMAT.

The team develops a modification process of steel powders utilised for Selective Laser Melting (SLM). The powder modification allows to eliminate the need of supporting the printed components during the printing process. This extends a freedom of design by enabling a unique feature of horizontal printing without supports. With this unique technology it is planned to enter the rapidly growing market of additive manufacturing.

STYRIAM METALS is an outcome of FFG Spin-Off Fellowship programme: NewGen SLM Powder.

Download: Conference Proceeding Book  - Open Access ...

12^th International Seminar 'Numerical Analysis of Weldability' - furhter information ...

course 303.105 Advanced Processing Technologies

AND THE WINNER IS ...

On March 7 2019, the Dörrenberg Studien AWARD was awarded for the 11^th time to students, who have studied materials engineering topics such as steel, heat treatment, surface engineering or process engineering.

Ms. Jana Joeressen is one of this year’s award winners!
She was honored for her excellent Bachelor thesis „Corrosion tests on duplex steels“, that she carried out at the IMAT institute in 2018 under the supervision of Prof. Norbert Enzinger, Dipl.-Ing. Andrea Putz and Wolfgang Steinbäck from the corrosion laboratory. Congratulations!

In a press conference on Dec. 12, 2018, the Austrian minister Mr. Hofer (BMVIT) has launched the Research, Technology and Innovation (FTI) Strategic Advisory Board for the Austrian aviation sector. Prof. Sergio Amancio – a member of the board - represents TU Graz in the area of materials and manufacturing technologies.

... for further information

Vienna, 13.09.2018. Prof. Sergio Amancio met the Federal Minister of Transport, Information and Technology, Ing. Norbert Hofer at the official BMVIT Endowed Professorship event introducing the new university professors.

... for further information

Our last IMAT institute's excursion took us to Zellstoff Pöls AG , one of the biggest pulp manufacturer in Europe. Thanks for the very interesting tour.

Senior research engineer Fernando Fernandez – responsible for new advanced materials and Processes at Embraer, Brazil - visited the new BMVIT Endowed Professorship for Aviation at the Institute of Materials Science, Joining and Forming (IMAT) from July 10^th to 13^th 2018. This was the first time a representative from the third biggest airplane producer visited IMAT, following an invitation from Prof. Sergio Amancio. “This was an important milestone to establish future projects and collaborations between TU Graz and Embraer in the fields of new structural materials and manufacturing techniques” says Sergio Amancio.

Apart from visiting the facilities of IMAT, Mr. Fernandez met Prof. Franz Haas (head of the Institute of Production Engineering – IFT) who presented the facilities of IFT and the Smartfactory. Moreover Mr. Fernandez hold a keynote lecture at the “the ACstyria Technology Meeting Materials & Structures for Aerospace”co-hosted by TU Graz on July 12^th (http://www.acstyria.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/180712_TM-Materials-and-Structures.pdf). He addressed Embraer’s visions and challenges for the next 20 years in the area of aircraft materials for an audience of industry and academia representatives.

Passenger seats made of aluminum, railings made of reinforced plastics and struts out of carbon: the most disparate materials are combined in modern aerospace and automotive engineering. Joining these hybrid structures so that they are tear-resistant, and therefore secure, requires experience as well as precise expertise. In addition to conventional joining processes, such as adhesive bonding, welding or mechanical fastening, advanced joining methods have been introduced in the last decade. It has so far required a great deal of effort to identify the benefits and drawbacks of these various methods.

This has changed in March 2018 with the publication of the new book Joining of Polymer-Metal Hybrid Structures: Principles and Applications (Wiley, USA) edited by Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Prof Sergio T. Amancio-Filho (Graz University of Technology, TU Graz, Austria) and Dr.-Ing. Lucian-Attila Blaga (Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, HZG, Germany). The book comprehensively describes the scientific basis and engineering properties of the state-of-the-art and novel joining technologies for the first time. Joining technology experts from North and South America, Europe and Asia have contributed with their expertise to the new book.

“We revised the fundamentals, properties and applications of advanced joining methods together with other joining experts from all over the world,” explains Prof. Amancio. “In addition to conventional methods, such as adhesive bonding and riveting, we address solid-state joining methods developed by my team of engineers in Germany, and now within the scope of my new BMVIT endowed professorship for aviation in Graz”. In these new joining processes, the metallic material is plasticized by using a rotating or vibrating tool that applies pressure and creates heat by friction, softening the metallic material, whereby the plastic or the composite polymeric matrix is partially fused or softened. These various materials are thus joined to each other mechanically and physically, forming connections that are exceptionally strong without the need for adhesives, filler materials or heavy fasteners.

Technologies comprehensively described for the first time
The book deals with scientific properties, including structural, physical, chemical and metallurgical and/or polymer phenomena as well as technical properties, such as mechanical performance, design or application of the different methods. The theoretical descriptions are supplemented by applied examples from industry and research. 

Target Group: Higher Education and the Industrial Sector
The book’s target group consists of engineers in automotive and aerospace engineering and in the construction industry. Furthermore, it is also oriented toward students in the fields of mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials sciences, aerospace and automotive engineering. The editors also bear in mind the regional industry: “Numerous manufacturers in the fields of aerospace engineering and automotive as well as their associated suppliers are located in the Hamburg metropolitan region, as well as in the state of Styria in Austria. Their research departments especially will benefit from the expertise collected in the book," says Dr. Blaga with certainty.

... more information on wiley.com

The Graz University of Technology, and Austrian industry key-players establish Austria’s first endowed chair for aerospace research

With an average annual growth of over three percent globally, the aerospace sector is taking off. In order to take advantage of this potential, an endowed chair has been established at the Graz University of Technology in cooperation with industry partners voestalpine, Fuchshofer Präzisionstechnik, TCM International, and Diamond Aircraft Industries. Since March this year, this position has been officially held by German-Brazilian materials scientist Sergio Amancio. The aim of this cooperation between science and business is to establish an international competence center for the development of pioneering materials and production technologies in the aerospace sector. voestalpine is the largest industrial partner and, with its high-performance materials and special forgings used in extremely high-load-bearing structural, engine, and undercarriage parts, is one of the world’s major suppliers to the aviation industry.

Harald Kainz, Rector of TU Graz, says “The new endowed chair and the team of experts at the Graz University of Technology is helping to turn Graz into a scientific hotspot, one closely linked to the regional aircraft supplies industry. Our aim is to become an internationally renowned center for aerospace materials and production technologies.” ... More

Erste Professur für Luftfahrtforschung in Graz ...