Project Info
Metamorphic Manufacturing – Robotic Blacksmithing and the 3rd Wave of Digital Manufacturing
Kester Clarke | kclarke@mines.edu
The goals of this project are to emulate the 1st and 2nd waves of digital manufacturing, subtractive CNC machining and Additive Manufacturing, to enable digital processes that simply change the shape of an object (e.g., deformation) to produce a final component with microstructure and mechanical properties that are enhanced by the deformation process itself. This would enable custom component manufacturing from a single manufacturing cell using a broad range of metal alloys – the digitally controlled robotic blacksmith!
For more information:
https://www.tms.org/MetamorphicManufacturing
Grand Challenge: Engineer the tools of scientific discovery
Student Preparation
Qualifications
A basic understanding of materials science and good mechanical skills.
Student is required to attend the basic lab safety training offered by Environmental Health and Safety at Mines
Time Commitment
10-20 hours/week
Skills/Techniques Gained
The student will be able to use deformation processes to shape metal samples, examine the microstructures of these samples, and measure the mechanical properties. Also, robotic programming and understanding of sensors.
Mentoring Plan
This is also flexible. The plan would be to meet with the student and develop a plan that makes sense for the student and project – anything from weekly meetings and updates to infrequent mentoring, depending on the ability and desires of the student.