Friday, September 29, 2023
3D Talks - Delphine Auzène
Could you introduce us to CRITT Matériaux Innovation?
CRITT Matériaux Innovation is a laboratory specializing in testing, expertise, and analysis of metallic, ceramic, and polymer materials. We also provide R&D support for issues related to processes or materials. Our technical center has been in operation for 40 years, and we have two industrial platforms where we implement innovative additive processes: Powder Injection Molding and 3D Printing of Materials by Extrusion for metal and ceramics. Additionally, we offer services related to surface characterization, such as surface energy measurements, roughness analysis, tribology, nano-indentation, and scratch tests to determine the adhesion of surface treatments, for example.
Without giving it all away, can you present to us the material trends that will be showcased ?
The material needs are evolving rapidly. We are at a crossroads with conflicting directions: On one hand, there is a shortage of raw materials that is beginning, which is giving financial markets reason to increase costs. On the other hand, there is a global resurgence of industrialization in all sectors, including construction, defense, energy, mobility, communication, health, etc., with the backdrop of climate change and the planet’s overpopulation pressuring us to reduce our carbon footprint sooner than we thought. All of this drives us to innovate for smarter production, better and more equitable consumption, and above all, innovation. The current trend in materials is moving towards lightweight and high-performance materials such as titanium alloys, aluminum, composites with plant-based reinforcements, and increasingly recycled and bio-sourced polymers.
Characterization of materials is one of your areas of expertise. How is this service useful for a company that uses additive manufacturing?
A few years ago, additive manufacturing (AM) was mainly about prototyping, where the goal was primarily to test the design of a part. Today, this is no longer the case. Companies want to produce parts directly through AM in the right material with the right mechanical properties. Therefore, it is crucial for them to control and characterize the printed material.
“The material needs are evolving rapidly”.
Parts produced by additive manufacturing have different microstructural characteristics compared to those produced by conventional processes, and they have some inherent issues (such as the presence of residual unfused powders). At CRITT Matériaux Innovation, we have developed characterization methods that take these specificities into account.
How did you design this Materials area to offer a unique experience to visitors?
We have designed a modular space dedicated to both experts and newcomers. Different raw materials will be presented, including 3D-printed parts in various 3D printing technologies and different materials. We have not limited ourselves to metallic, ceramic, and polymer materials only; we have expanded the possibilities to include textile, edible, recycled, and plant-based materials. All of these will be printed!