Facilities

Our lab combines computational modeling with advanced manufacturing techniques to investigate mechanical properties and functionalities of architected materials. We have a multimaterial polymer printer Objet 260 that can produce multiple polymer materials simultaneously. Our group has several mechanical testing systems for quasi-static mechanical testing (Instron) and dynamic vibration testing. We are also affiliated with the Additive Manufacturing Institute of Science and Technology (AMIST) at UofL, which has one of the best-equipped facilities with world-class capabilities for 3D Printing of metals and polymers. With advanced additive manufacturing equipment and several of the latest CNC machine tools, the AMIST Core Facility is now one of the most advanced prototyping facilities in the Louisville area. A detailed list of shared core facilities can be found here: https://louisville.edu/amist/amist-core-facility/facilities. In addition to the manufacturing and testing facilities, our lab has dedicated high-performance cluster node (20 cores, 64GB per node) with 500 shared nodes actively managed by the University of Louisville HPC center that can be used for numerical simulations.

Our Facilities

Objet260 Connex3

The Objet260 combines outstanding 16-micron, high-resolution layer accuracy with a tray size of 260 x 260 x 200 mm. Objet Connex 3D printers can utilize as many as 14 material properties simultaneously in a single part.

Base materials include:

Transparent material (VeroClear)
Rubber-like materials (Tango family)
Transparent material (RGD720)
Rigid Opaque materials (Vero family) in a variety of colors

Composite digital materials include:

Digital ABS/ABS2 (simulates ABS engineering plastics)
High Temperature material
Transparent shades and patterns
Rigid opaque shades

Digital Image Correlation (DIC)

Digital Image Correlation (often referred to as “DIC”) is an easy to use optical method which measures deformation on an object’s surface. The method tracks the changes in gray value pattern in small neighborhoods called subsets during deformation. Digital Image Correlation has repeatedly proven to be accurate when compared to valid finite element models. The commercially available VIC-3D system from Correlated Solutions utilizes this advanced optical measurement technology.

Nanoscribe GT

The Photonic Professional GT is the world’s highest resolution 3D printer. Based on two-photon polymerization (2PP), it allows for additive manufacturing and maskless lithography with the same device. Submicrometer resolution printing with feature sizes down to 200 nm and optical quality surface finishes are characteristic key features. Two powerful writing modes move the laser focus with respect to the photoresist: a piezo-mode for arbitrary 3D trajectories and a galvo-mode for ultra-fast structuring in a layer-by-layer process. With these unique features, the versatile system covers the broad demands encountered in nano-, micro- and mesoscale fabrication.

Wave Transmission Testing
Quotatiofor DH598

Portable dynamic signal test and analysis system: 8 channels input; maximum sampling rate per channel is 128 kHz.
Software: parameter settings; function control; data management and export project to Excel, TXT, Matlab, UFF and reporting features.
Signal generator: output signal: sine, sweep, random; frequency range: 1 Hz～10 kHz; built-in 60 W power amplifier.
Exciter: maximum excitation force is 20 N; frequency range: 10 Hz～5 kHz.
Accelerometer: voltage output, ceramic shearing, wide frequency response, light weight.

Shared Facilities in AMIST

Instron Testing Machine

EBM S400

Instron Fatigue Testing Machine

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (EOS M270)

Instron Drop Tower

HP Jet Fusion 580 Color Fusion 3D Printer

UofL

Department of Mechanical Engineering
J.B. Speed School of Engineering
University of Louisville
Office: 105 Sackett Hall | Lab: Vogt 206
332 Eastern Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40292
Copyright © by Yanyu Chen and Zhennan Zhang