Imagine printing a part that is hard like steel in one spot but light like aluminum in another, all in one piece. Usually, these materials don't mix and just crack or peel apart. This work creates a 'recipe' and a digital map to blend them perfectly without breaking, while also finding ways to recycle the leftover powder.
Industries cannot use multi-material 3D printing because different metals crack or warp when joined. Additionally, the high cost of powder waste makes the process economically unsustainable.
A set of processable multi-material alloys (e.g., Aluminum-Copper) and a digital simulation suite combining thermodynamics with machine learning to predict material behavior.
If you are an aircraft engine manufacturer dealing with heavy components that need high heat resistance — this project developed multi-material combinations like Nickel-Titanium and steel alloys that reduce weight while maintaining strength.
If you are an EV chassis designer dealing with the trade-off between part durability and vehicle weight — this project developed topology optimization tools that allow for lighter, stronger structures using mixed materials.
If you are a 3D printing service provider dealing with high material waste and powder costs — this project developed innovative recycling strategies for bulk and powder materials to improve environmental impact and cost.
Based on available project data, the project reduces costs by decreasing material waste through new recycling strategies and shortening development cycles using machine learning.
Yes, the project focuses on scalable technologies using PBF-LB and DED processes to enable the dissemination of multi-material manufacturing across the entire industry.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not listed, but the project involves 8 industrial partners and 5 SMEs who are co-developing these processable alloys.
It integrates via computational material engineering, combining thermodynamics and microstructure predictions with machine learning to improve process control.
The project runs from 2023-01-01 to 2026-06-30, suggesting that full results and validated processes will be available by mid-2026.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven with a 62% industry ratio, comprising 8 industrial partners (including 5 SMEs) and 5 research/university entities. This strong commercial presence, spanning 10 countries, indicates that the research is tightly aligned with market needs in the automotive and aerospace sectors rather than being purely academic.
Contact Universitaet Paderborn regarding the MADE-3D project coordination.
Contact us to connect with the MADE-3D consortium for licensing multi-material AM alloys.
