The Coherent CREATOR is an excellent small-volume LB-PBF machine that is unique in its design with a circular coater that can decrease the build time by 30%. One of the best qualities of this system is the intuitive software package provided by the machine. It is comparatively cheaper and can rapidly print parts compared to other 3D metal printers. This machine contains a small building platform which is much easier to change material systems compared to all of our other platforms. Also, it takes less time to prepare the build files, execute builds, and conduct maintenance.

NCAME is the home to Two MTS Landmark 370 (Floor model), load capacity 100kN MTS 810, load capacity 100kN Two MTS Landmark 370 (Tabletop model), load capacity 25kN MTS 809 Axial/Torsion, load capacity 100kN / 1100 N*m MTS Bionix Axial/Torsion, load capacity 25kN / 250 N*m Other equipment: -Three/Point bending up to dynamic loads of 10kN and static loads of 30kN - Fatigue crack growth with CTOD gage (0.25 in) this one is included in the list of extensometers - High Temperature Testing up to 1000 °C.

The Zeiss Crossbeam 550 Scanning Electron Microscope combines the imaging and analytical performance of a high-resolution field emission SEM with the processing ability of a next-gen focused ion beam (FIB). This state-of-the-art FIB-SEM has Gemini II electron optics which ensures high beam quality for high-resolution (0.6 nm) imaging. Its 5 different electron detectors (including conventional and in-lens secondary electron detectors, in-lens energy selective backscattered (ESB) electron detector, a four-quadrant backscattered electron (BSD) detector, and STEM detector) enable truly versatile materials characterization. The microscope also has Oxford instruments onboard the FIB-SEM enabling advanced energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analyses. This FIB-SEM, with its Ion-sculptor Ga+ FIB at an exceptional FIB resolution of less than 3 nm, also offers superb TEM sample preparation quality. In addition, its ultralow FIB voltage currently minimizes the amorphization zone of TEM lamella during the final thinning step.

Superior analyses can be performed through the KEYENCE VHX-6000 series microscope. This microscope has adaptive lighting, advanced focusing, large depth-of-field, multi-angle observation, real-time measurements, improve images using High-Resolution HDR, ring reflection removal, 3D image stitching, contamination analysis, etc. KEYENCE VHX-6000 is mostly used for analyzing the fracture surfaces, porosity, and surface roughness measurements in NCAME. (Source: https://www.keyence.com)

The FT4 is used to characterize the rheology of the powder (i.e., powder flow properties). This instrument is considered a universal powder flow tester. The FT4 is designed to simulate powder processing conditions (i.e., consolidated, moderately stressed, and aerated or fluidized states) and obtain dynamic flow (i.e., bulk and shear properties). This instrument has an unparalleled sensitivity which enables the differentiation of different powder batches. Sample sizes can vary from 10 to 160 ml. In the FT4, the resistance of the powder to flow is measured while the powder is in motion. The FT4 can be used for different categories of methodologies defined as Bulk, Dynamic Flow, Shear (according to ASTM D7891), and process. It can be used in many applications including pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, food, cosmetics, toners, metals, ceramics, plastics, powder coating, cement, and additive manufacturing applications. (Source: https://www.freemantech.co.uk)

 

The 1200 ^oC (2190 ^oF) tube furnace provides accurate temperature control and safe operations. Hot enough for most laboratory applications, Sentro Tech's tube furnace is ideal for heating small samples. This furnace has many advantages including 30-segment easy-use PID programmable temperature controller, long-life metallic heating elements, highly efficient ceramic fiber insulation, heating isolating ceramic tube, long-life K or S-type thermocouples, high temperature sealing rubber sheet, etc. (Source: https://www.sentrotech.com)

The EcoMet 30 provides simple operations for routine grinding and polishing. The user-friendly touchscreen interface puts all regularly used functions on the front screen with no complicated menus that can add time to the process. Ideal for users who have a dedicated machine for each step in their process, the EcoMet 30 saves time with advanced cleaning features. Durability tested over 2500 hours and flexible enough to be compatible with 8in [203mm], 10in [254mm], and 12in [305mm] platens. (Source: https://www.buehler.com)