Nominate now for the 3D Printing Industry Awards 2023! This year, we have an exciting project to share with you. Imperial College London 3D printing topology optimization software spinout TOffeeAM has been awarded an Innovate UK grant to undertake a groundbreaking endeavor that aims to revolutionize the design of cold plate heat exchangers. The project, titled “Multiscale Optimization Framework for the Next Generation of Heat Exchangers,” is set to begin this month in collaboration with Imperial College London and the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP).
The team at TOffeeAM is confident that their novel cold plate designs will unlock superior thermal efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions, making a significant contribution to a greener future. By leveraging multi-scale methods, the project aims to achieve unprecedented performance improvements while simplifying the design approach for engineers.
The market size for heat exchangers is projected to reach $26.26 billion by 2030, and TOffeeAM aims to tap into this growing market by developing an alternative design framework for cold plates. They believe that their new approach will usher in a new era of thermal efficiency. With the help of the researchers at Imperial College London’s Department of Aeronautics, the project aims to produce designs that offer superior heat transfer capabilities and require less pumping energy to operate compared to conventional cold plate systems.
Not only does the project promise high performance, but it also aims to reduce CO2 emissions and minimize computational and experimental waste. The team at TOffeeAM is dedicated to creating sustainable solutions that make a positive impact on the environment.
TOffeeAM’s journey began back in 2019 when Francesco Montomoli, Marco Pietropaoli, and Audrey Gaymann founded the company based on a four-year research project at Imperial College London. Their generative design software for engineering applications aims to empower engineers to go further and faster. Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed, as TOffeeAM was selected as one of the winners of the 2020 formnext start-up challenge. With a successful $1 million seed funding round, TOffeeAM has been able to expand its team, enhance its engineering capabilities, and grow its customer base.
TOffeeAM’s software offering focuses on optimizing the topology of 3D printed components, making them better suited for their target applications. The software’s advanced algorithms and optimization techniques automate the entire design process, allowing users to generate optimal designs in minutes and hours, rather than weeks and months. The software has already been used in industrial production, creating coolant systems for gas turbines that surpass the performance of current heat exchangers.
The production of 3D printed heat exchangers is not new to the additive manufacturing industry. Alloyed, a UK-based alloy design firm, showcased a highly-optimized 3D printed copper cooling plate earlier this year. The lattice geometry of the cooling plate combined functionality and performance while minimizing material usage. Thanks to its monolithic structure, Alloyed’s cooling plate is simpler and more efficient than traditionally assembled cold plates.
Conflux Technology, an Australian heat transfer specialist, also partnered with Rocket Factory Augsburg, a German-based space rocket manufacturer, to embed 3D printed heat exchangers into an orbital rocket. This collaboration demonstrates the potential for 3D printed heat exchangers to be used in demanding and high-performance applications.
The future of heat exchanger design is promising, thanks to the innovative projects and collaborations in the additive manufacturing industry. TOffeeAM’s project, in partnership with Imperial College London and NATEP, seeks to push the boundaries of thermal efficiency and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. We look forward to seeing the impact of their work on the industry and the environment.
Today, we are excited to share with you an innovative technology that is being developed as part of the Australian Space Agency’s Moon to Mars Initiative. This groundbreaking project, funded by the Supply Chain Capability Improvement Grant Program, has received a $1 million AUD investment.
The technology we are referring to is Sintering (DMLS) technology. This cutting-edge process utilizes 3D printing to create complex metal parts for a variety of applications in the aerospace industry. Sintering involves heating metal particles until they fuse together, creating a solid object layer by layer.
One company at the forefront of this technology is Conflux, the recipient of the funding grant. Their team of researchers is working tirelessly to push the boundaries of what is possible with Sintering technology. With their expertise and dedication, they are sure to make significant advancements in the field.
But what makes this technology so remarkable? Firstly, the use of 3D printing allows for the creation of intricate designs that would be impossible with traditional manufacturing methods. This opens up endless possibilities for engineers and designers to create lightweight, complex components that are tailored to specific applications.
Additionally, Sintering (DMLS) technology offers benefits such as improved efficiency and reduced waste. By only using the necessary amount of material to create a part, this process minimizes material waste and reduces costs. This is particularly significant in industries like aerospace, where every gram of weight saved can have a significant impact on fuel efficiency and overall performance.
To push the boundaries of Sintering technology even further, researchers are using TOffeeAM’s optimization software. This software utilizes advanced algorithms to analyze and optimize designs, leading to improved performance and reduced weight. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, researchers can create parts that are not only lighter but also stronger and more durable.
The potential applications of Sintering (DMLS) technology are vast. From creating lightweight rocket components to building complex satellite structures, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the aerospace industry. By utilizing 3D printing and advanced optimization software, researchers can push the boundaries of what is possible, making space exploration more efficient and cost-effective.
If you are interested in working in the additive manufacturing industry, there are numerous opportunities available. Visit 3D Printing Jobs to explore a selection of roles and kickstart your career in this exciting field.
In conclusion, Sintering (DMLS) technology is a game-changer in the aerospace industry. With its ability to create intricate designs, reduce weight, and improve performance, this technology has the potential to transform space exploration. With the support of the Australian Space Agency and the dedicated researchers at Conflux, we can expect significant advancements in this field in the coming years. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting technology!
