March 2019

2019 Momentum Newsletter
Product Update
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Joint Steel MMC STTR grant awarded

Elementum (E3D) and the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) have accepted a joint STTR for research into the creation of an easy to use all-purpose reusable iron-based alloy for additive manufacturing. The kick off meeting between E3D and CSM was conducted on January 21, 2019. The three goals for the 6-month joint research project include: (1) Implementation of calculated phase diagram (CALPHAD) methods coupled with machine learning to predict printability and properties for a range of compositions; (2) optimization of powder composition, particle size, and morphology for environmental stability with experimental testing of powder exposed to hot and humid conditions; and (3) printing of components of the new candidate alloys to evaluate residual internal stresses, relative density, and properties.

Candidate compositions were evaluated and promising compositions were selected around the 316L stainless steel composition specification range. Corrosion resistant materials were favored for this selection purpose since the Army has already had some success in adopting non-corrosion resistant steels for AM such as AF96. CALPHAD software (Thermo-Calc) was used to examine compositional effects on the equilibrium phase fractions, the temper range between the solidus and liquidus (mushy zone), and the temperature change for the appearance of equilibrium ferrite secondary phase. Experimental testing with printed specimens will begin soon.

Just over two months into the joint research, there has already been positive results with identification of promising alloy specifications for improved printability. Furthermore, Elementum 3D’s research and testing of new 316L and 17-4 PH stainless steel based composites has proven to be instrumental in providing a frame work for development of these new military grade alloys.


NSF Phase IIB Inconel Superalloy funding advances development

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Phase IIB supplemental funding (awarded in October 2018) will enable faster and wider commercial adoption of components from the RAM nickel superalloy composites developed in Phase II. This NSF supplemental funding, paired with funding from investment and commercial sales, will be used towards developing an understanding of the mechanisms that affect performance variability.  This will include developing standardized materials production and processing methods based on results analysis. Statistical reliability data will be used in part towards development of AMS specification and MMPDS design allowables. The developed production processes and controls will be evaluated and modified for reliability and the documented processes are necessary for a quality control system and later used towards accreditations such as ISO 9001 and AS9100. READ MORE

Team News

Elementum 3D corporate office is moving…next door!

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On April 1, 2019, Elementum 3D’s address will be 400 Young Court, Unit 1, Erie Colorado. The newly leased office space is approximately 10,000 square feet. If our new address looks familiar, it’s because we are moving to the building across the street from our current location. We are excited for this facility upgrade because it provides additional space and a robust infrastructure to support our passion for bringing new AM materials and technologies to market. Most of all, the move makes it possible to extend our ability to help current and future customers take their innovations to production.


Getting to know Elementum 3D newest teammates

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Am Industry News
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Meet our team and learn more about how and why we are passionate about developing superior metal-based materials and parameters for additive manufacturing.

OPEN HOUSE VISITS
All are welcome to drop by our Erie, Colorado facility on the second Friday of any month from      4 – 6 pm.

TRADE SHOW VISITS

March 31-April 4 AMUG Conference: Chicago IL, Salon B, Booth 4

April 8-11 35th Space Symposium: Colorado Springs CO, Booth 1011

May 21 – 23 RAPID: Detroit MI, Booth 1057 

Momentum Newsletter

Jamie Perozzi

VP of Technology 6K Additive

Mr. Perozzi has 20+ years of specialty metals experience with a focus on process, new product development, product management, and application engineering. Before joining 6K, Perozzi spent seven years at AMETEK Specialty Metal Products responsible for quality and process engineering. Prior to Ametek, he spent 10 years at Hitachi Metals – Metglas and 3 years at J&L Specialty Steel. Perozzi holds a BS Metallurgical Engineering degree from Penn State University.

Dr. Timothy Smith

Materials Research Engineer NASA Glenn Research Center

Tim Smith graduated with a PhD in materials science and engineering from Ohio State University in 2016. After graduating, his pathways internship at NASA Glenn research center became a full-time position. His research focuses on high temperature alloy development and characterization. He has contributed to 29 peer-reviewed publications including journals in Nature Communications and Nature Communications Materials. His research has also produced 10 new technology reports and 3 utility patents. He recently received both the Early Career Achievement Medal in 2020 and the Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal in 2022.

Dr. Douglas Hoffman

Senior Research Scientist (SRS)/ Principal Section Technologist NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Dr. Douglas Hofmann is a Senior Research Scientist and Principal at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he serves as the Section Technologist for the Mechanical Fabrication and Test Section. He is also a Lecturer and Visiting Associate at Caltech in the Applied Physics and Materials Science Department. Dr. Hofmann founded JPL’s Metallurgy Facility in 2010, was a charter member of the Materials Development and Manufacturing Technology Group, and helped establish the JPL Additive Manufacturing Center. He is the Principal Investigator of the NASA FAMIS Flight Experiment and was a 2012 recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from President Obama. He has spent more than 12 years working in metal additive manufacturing and has over 30 granted patents and over 60 peer-reviewed publications.

Dr. Jacob Nuechterlein

President/Founder Elementum 3D

Dr. Jacob Nuechterlein is the founder and president of Elementum 3D in Erie, CO. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy at the Colorado School of Mines. Jacob has been researching, teaching, or consulting on topics such as casting and powder metallurgy for the last 14 years. Elementum 3D’s work with powder bed laser additive manufacturing is based on these principles. In addition, is thesis work in thermodynamics and formation kinetics of metal matrix composites is directly related to all 3D printing processes.