Research Thrusts

We aim to build fundamental process-structure-property relationships with emphases on improving build rate, process reliability, material quality, scalability, and modularity. While much of our work focuses on DED, our work extends into polymer extrusion additive, CNC machining, and robotic grinding. We develop and deploy in-situ monitoring mechanisms to explain laser-material interactions, fundamental process physics, and defect formation.

We develop novel processes and techniques such as blue-laser AM, recycled and custom AM feedstock, closed-loop monitoring and control, automated toolpath generation, and in-situ melt pool vibration for microstructural control. Our fundamental goals are to enable new design and material capabilities, improve build rates, reduce energy and emissions, and increase process reliability in additive, subtractive, and hybrid processes. Our applications span transportation, agriculture, energy, and defense sectors.