Researchers to Build Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing Machine

EWI, an engineering research organization that focuses on materials joining and related technologies, recently entered into a development agreement with Ultra Tech Machinery to build “the first very high power ultrasonic additive manufacturing machine.” The agreement is valued at $1.1 million.
The prospective machine will be capable of rapidly producing large parts from high strength materials such as steel, Inconel, and titanium. EWI predicts the machine will be capable of producing near net-shape, and complex components or parts using additive manufacturing of metals. This would include tool and die manufacturers, rapid prototyping operations, and producers of integrated cooling devices, as well as those that perform low-dilution cladding.
"Ultra Tech Machinery is a unique and innovative machine tool manufacturer that is the right fit to make the advanced manufacturing technology developed at EWI a reality,” according to EWI president and CEO Henry Cialone. He said the project could lead to a “transformational” technology that would make it possible to produce customize parts and materials that are not possible through other techniques, because of higher bond strength and lower cost.
Ultra Tech Machinery design and builds turn-key machinery and automation solutions, and performs equipment rebuilds, remanufacturing, and mechanical and electrical upgrades for medical, defense, energy, and high-production customers.
Bob Hagarty, Ultra Tech Machinery v.p., stated: "We are excited to start a relationship with EWI to build a custom machine for industry."
EWI says it has received interest from the military and aerospace industries for the technology.
The research is an extension of a research contract granted to EWI by the state of Ohio Wright Program granted to EWI by the State of Ohio.