The ultimate goal for additive manufacturing (AM) is for those creating, building, and designing for our future to reach for AM as another tool in their toolbox as easily as they would a traditional manufacturing method. To build this trust and knowledge of industrial 3D printing, countless hours of research are necessary.  

To learn more about the research being performed at Auburn University that is shaping the future of AM, Host Fabian Alefeld speaks with a distinguished AM figure, Nima Shamsaei. Nima is a Philpott-West Point Stevens professor at Auburn University and Director of the National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME). At NCAME, Nima and his team are at the forefront of research and technology and are actively studying the fracture and fatigue behavior of AM materials. In addition, a joint project with the US government and Auburn University is supporting manufacturers to create components for NASA. 

Comments about the show or wish to share your AM journey? Contact us at [email protected]. The Additive Snack Podcast is brought to you by EOS. 

Key Takeaways: 

[1:39] An interest in mechanical properties led Nima from automotive to pushing the AM envelope with NASA.  

[6:33] How Nima detects the fatigue behavior of additive materials.  

[9:31] Three challenges of collecting and leveraging additive material data.  

[16:19] When cost is not an issue, leveraging additive design maximizes its full potential. 

[19:48] Part classifications are based on qualification complexities and the consequence of failure. 

[23:21] A joint effort by the US government, Auburn University, and NASA support manufacturers to create parts NASA can use.