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Study Improves Safety of Selective Laser Melted Alloy Parts

Mon, 29 July, 2024

Saad Syed Iqbal Ahmed, a dedicated PhD student in Material Science at NSIRC with The University of Manchester, has successfully submitted his doctoral thesis.

Titled 'The Effects of Defects on the Fatigue Performance of Selectively Laser Melted AlSi10Mg Alloys,' Saad's pioneering research delves deep into the realm of Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology. This groundbreaking technology has the potential to manufacture intricately designed components that were previously unattainable through traditional manufacturing methods.

Despite its potential, the widespread implementation of SLM has been hindered by limitations in fatigue strength and reliability. Saad's research addresses this critical issue, aiming to enhance the understanding of fatigue behaviour in SLM components, ultimately paving the way for their utilization in safety-critical applications across various industries including automotive, heat exchangers and aerospace.

Saad's research methodology involves a comprehensive examination of the correlation between defects and the fatigue performance of SLMed Al-Si10-Mg alloys using advanced techniques such as X-ray Computed Tomography and microstructure characterization. This rigorous work is expected to contribute significantly to the standardization of fatigue design guidelines for SLM components.

"I am thrilled to have submitted my doctoral thesis on understanding the impact of manufacturing defects on the fatigue behaviour of Selectively Laser Melted (SLM) AlSi10Mg alloys. This research represents a crucial step forward in understanding how defects impact the fatigue performance of AlSi10Mg alloys, aiming to enhance the reliability and applicability of SLM components in industries ranging from aerospace to automotive. I am grateful for support from NSIRC, TWI and the University of Manchester throughout my journey which has served as a learning curve for me and developed my skillset in the field."

Saad Syed Iqbal Ahmed

Having previously achieved a first-class BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from Heriot-Watt University and an MSc in Advanced Materials Engineering from The University of Manchester, Saad's academic journey is marked by a continuous pursuit of excellence in the field of materials science and engineering.

Saad's outstanding work was presented at the prestigious FEMS EuroMat 2023 conference organized by the German Materials Society in Frankfurt, Germany, where he shared his innovative research on Correlating Defects to Fatigue Performance in Selective Laser Melted Al-Si10-Mg Alloys.

For inquiries related to Saad's research or to connect with him, please email enquiries@nsirc.co.uk, or visit his LinkedIn profile.

Selective laser melting. Courtesy of TWI Ltd
Selective laser melting. Courtesy of TWI Ltd

Learn more about the NSIRC PhD Programme