Case Study: The Manufacturing Technology Centre improves additive manufacturing design with Comsol simulation apps

The Manufacturing Technology Centre uses Comsol to correct 100-micron part distortions in additive manufacturing

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) faced a challenge in designing high-precision parts using additive manufacturing, as thermal cycling during the laser powder bed fusion process caused deformations that could make parts unusable. To overcome this, MTC partnered with Comsol and used COMSOL Multiphysics® software for virtual design testing and performance prediction to understand and account for these distortions.

Comsol's solution involved creating a high-fidelity simulation model that predicted stresses and deformation, which was then packaged into a user-friendly app using the COMSOL Application Builder. This app, deployed via COMSOL Server™, allowed MTC's design team to run simulations themselves, bridging the gap between specialists and designers. The results revolutionized MTC's workflow, enabling them to efficiently produce parts within tight tolerances, improve interdepartmental collaboration, and establish a trusted, streamlined process for creating accurate prototypes.

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (mtc)