ProjectsNanotechnology and Materials

Research Overview

This project aims to establish the fundamental science underlying metal powder material technologies, including powder melting/solidification, and sintering processes, and to develop new materials by leveraging the ultra-rapid solidification phenomenon. The project will also promote the development of metal additive manufacturing technology incorporating in-situ monitoring and feedback mechanisms to achieve defect-free fabrication. In addition, it will also focus on advancing multi-dot scan electron beam additive manufacturing technology, which enables high-precision, high-quality fabrication, as well as development of a high-performance Plasma Rotating Electrode Process（PREP）metal powder production technology.

Research Features

By integrating in-situ monitoring technology and feedback control, we aim to establish a defect-free fabrication process capable of real-time-detection of defects arising during metal additive fabrication process, and facilitate immediate correction of electron beam abraded surface. In particular, our electron beam additive manufacturing technology, which incorporates multi-dot scanning, significantly enhances building accuracy and productivity compared with conventional methods, thereby accelerating its industrial adoption. Furthermore, we are advancing the development of fully automated metal additive manufacturing systems as a future object. To support this, we are developing a high-performance PREP powder production technology that enables the production of metal powders with a sphericity close to 1 and free of gas pores. These efforts will promote the development of new materials and facilitate their practical application on Earth, with a vision of applying them to extraterrestrial environments such as the lunar and Martian surfaces.

Expected Outcomes and Developments

The implementation of the proposed in-situ monitoring and feedback control technology is projected to enable defect-free fabrication by real-time detection and immediate correction of defects arising during the metal additive manufacturing process. This advancement will enhance product reliability and make a substantial contribution to industrial competitiveness. In addition, electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM) technology employing multi-dot scanning significantly improves build accuracy and manufacturing efficiency, thereby boosting productivity and enable considerable cost reductions. Furthermore, the high-performance PREP powder production technology facilitates the fabrication of high-quality metallic powders with near-perfect sphericity and free of gas pores. These capabilities will accelerate the development of new materials and support their practical application in the manufacturing of advanced components. In the future, the establishment of fully automated metal additive manufacturing systems is expected to extend the applicability of this technology to extraterrestrial environments, including on lunar and Martian surfaces. These technological innovations are anticipated not only to expand related industrial markets but also to generate ripple effects across a wide range of academic disciplines, including materials science and control engineering.