The purpose of testing is to provide the necessary feedback for process optimization, as well as the verification of the compliance with corresponding standards (ISO, ASTM). Characterization will take place in structural level as well as at functional (mechanical and chemical) properties level. Evaluation of the environmental impact of the new materials will take place by LCA/LCC. Finally, in close collaboration with end users real field test will be applied, bringing the technologies up to TRL7.
A set of characterization techniques will be applied on developed test cases. This task will be in charge of characterizing the structural and morphological properties of the materials used to produce lightweight composites. The composition and crystal structure of nanomaterials will be determined.
The key advantage of the developed metal alloy composites is their lower weight combined with mechanical properties that meet or exceed the ones of currently used materials. Light metals ensure the lighter weight, while mechanical properties, such as stress, strain, tensile strength, shear strength, fatigue strength, compressive strength, elasticity, ductility, brittleness, plasticity, toughness, hardness, wear resistance etc. will be tested using standard techniques.
Additive Manufacturing requires addressing procedures to guarantee the quality of the components manufactured. The quality control is divided in two categories: on-line and off-line inspection. The online inspection aims to identify anomalies in the component during the process. In this way, it is possible to repair an internal anomaly in loco, saving money and time in future repairs. In contrast, the off-line inspection search for defects when the additive manufacturing process is over. Thus, it is assured the quality of the final product.
Assess the environmental impact of the new materials and products as well as of the sustainability of the pilot lines and final product’s production. In addition, the potential end-of-life scenarios of final lightweight metal alloys products will be evaluated, including recyclability and circularity of the resources. The potential environmental impacts of the pilot lines and the final products will be determined by means of LCA, using specialized software tool such as Simapro 8.