At SEAM we focus our Process & Technical research on the following areas:
Focus 1: Shape Engineering (SE), is an assessment of product requirements, with accurate measurement methods such as Laser Scanners, including cutting-edge instrumentation (Photogrammetry, Accordion Fringe Interferometry, Laser Radar Scanning, Computer-Tomography (CT) scanning, to name a few), material reverse engineering (material identification through Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectrometry) and digital (CAD system) compatibility.
Focus 2: Digitally Enabled Rapid Advanced Manufacturing is the translation of data into viable digital models and designs, and quick ‘turnaround’, near-net-shape, manufacturing cycles that include newer processes and operations (Selective Laser Sintering, Ultrasonic Consolidation, Electron Beam Melting), soft and hard tooling (flexible fixturing) and newer material testing (electron and confocal microscopy, CT).
Our research, dedicated to providing services in shape engineering and advanced manufacturing, has four goals :
· Development of revolutionary shape engineering methodologies through hardware and software support infrastructures to address MRO needs for US Air Force and commercial aerospace companies.
· Development of advanced rapid manufacturing processes and innovative metrology (precision measurement) applications to more effectively support existing and evolving aerospace companies, to support the nation’s MRO infrastructure.
· Development of knowledge and expertise, as well as the ability to implement innovations in product reconfiguration analysis, life cycle analysis, process plans and integrated logistics support plans for the parts we ‘shape engineer’.
· Development of educational curricula that will provide students trained in cutting-edge technologies and job-specific methods to support the state’s economy. Development of training and outreach programs in advanced design and manufacturing technologies, to provide topical training for a skilled workforce.