We use an in-house custom built "Big Metal" Direct Energy Deposition printer with a 30 in. x 30 in. x 30 in. build envelope to produce samples for testing. The printer produces near net-shape metal parts at up to 15 lbs/hr deposition rate using wire feed stock and arc metal deposition. It is located in the Wilbur Prototyping Lab.

Other rescources

In addition to printing the metal, we also perform tests on samples to inform our understanding of the fundamental effects of 3D printing on the metal behavior. Some tests currently being performed on printed specimens include: scanning electron microscopy, microhardness grid testing, tribology, tensile, and fracture testing. These facilities are located in Lehigh's Center for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, the Tribology Labratory at Lehigh, and the Dravo Student Machine Shop.