Profilometry-based Indentation Plastometry (PIP) for Additive Manufacturing
The Plastometrex system is used to determine mechanical properties at room temperature (yield strength and tensile strength) in cases where a tensile test is either not feasible (e.g. for very small components) or not representative of the actual part (e.g. in additive manufacturing).
This system is suitable for samples made of a wide range of metals, including particle-reinforced materials.
When can this method be successfully applied in additive manufacturing?
- When components are too small to be tested using conventional methods (e.g. sensors).
- When the properties of unknown phases need to be determined on a macro scale (e.g. in a weld).
- In failure analyses, where only small amounts of material are available and not sufficient to produce a tensile specimen.
- When tensile specimens are not representative of specific areas of a component and local testing directly on the part is preferred.
- During parameter development, where samples are already being prepared for microstructural analysis. The mechanical properties can be tested directly on the same sample, without the need to produce additional specimens.
The samples to be tested do not need to be prepared as metallographic cross-sections; even small samples with flat surfaces can be tested. In addition to measuring yield strength and tensile strength, Brinell hardness values are also determined.
Additively manufactured components can be designed more safely using FEM simulations based on real material properties.
The PIP-technology provides fast, precise, and comprehensive insights into the mechanical properties of materials.