CAM-LEM - Materials
This describes work begin done at CAM-LEM, Inc. and Case Western Reserve
University in extending the CAM-LEM process to a wide variety of engineering
materials.
Materials
Materials development at Case Western Reserve University has concentrated
on the following engineering materials:
-
high-alumina ceramic
-
silicon nitride ceramic
-
a nickel-iron powdered-metal alloy
-
a stainless steel powdered metal
Each of these materials starts in a powdered form, and is formed into a
sheet using one of several types of binder systems. This binder holds the
powder together, but is easily cut by a low-power CO2 laser. Therefore,
even though a material may be brittle or difficult to cut or machine, sheet
stock made of the material in powdered form can be readily cut to shape.
New materials and applications are under consideration. The following
items must be considered for each new material to be used in the CAM-LEM
process:
-
the material must be in sheet form
-
it must be easily and cleanly cut with a laser
-
a lamination method must be developed, either in-process or post-process
-
the material can be sintered or densified (if necessary) into final form
-
a complementary fugitive system developed (if required)
We have tested sheet materials formed by tape casting, roll compaction,
injection molding, compression molding, and extrusion.
Next: Lamination
Back to the CAM-LEM main document