GLOBAL TEST ARTIFACT DATA EXCHANGE PROGRAM (GTADEXP)

Welcome to the Global Test Artifact Data Exchange Program (GTADExP) – a program dedicated to the increasing industrialization of metal laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing (AM) through extensive experimentation and diligent data analysis of a holistic, compact test artifact.

The program uses a patent pending test artifact (requiring only 25 cm3 of solid volume during a build) that enables the community to evaluate process metrics such as GD&T, microstructure (bulk and thin features), residual stress, distortion, chemical composition, surface integrity, powder removal, mechanical performance (tensile), and more.  Each artifact can be analyzed by the user or the program hosts within UTEP’s W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation, following established measurement methods and procedures.  Ultimately, this community effort will provide massive data sets for LPBF processes, shedding light on the true readiness levels for metal component manufacturing in the AM industry.

Registered program participants will have access to full program details – such as access to the artifact file required for printing; required measurement methods and protocols; instructions for data management; and, ultimately, access to the data generated during the program.  The program goal is to have a minimum of 100 artifacts analyzed by the end of 2021 produced by LPBF machines around the world.  There is no specific material system or LPBF machine designated for the program, although it is anticipated that much more data will be generated for more commonly used materials, such as Ti-6Al-4V, IN718, IN625, and AlSi10Mg, to name a few.

Registration and acceptance required for participation.

In part, registered participants agree to the following:

• The program is intended to significantly advance knowledge of current manufacturing capabilities of LPBF – only organizations able to provide full fabrication details are eligible to participate.
• Participation requires analyzing the artifact according to established methods and protocols – the program hosts can assist with all or part of the analyses (There are limited resources available for the host to perform analyses for program participants, and standard usage fees may apply – coordination at all stages with program host encouraged to ensure program success).
• All data generated from the build and test artifact must be uploaded to the program database – even for failed builds. A brief training will be provided for data management.
• At a minimum, program participants agree to analyze (or have the host analyze) the following:
  • Porosity in the xy plane and at least one build direction (xz or yz) plane
  • Mechanical and chemical analysis
• All publications arising from use of the artifact must acknowledge the program
• Feedback on the design of the artifact from program participants is encouraged; however, no modifications of the artifact by program participants are allowed – each participant will have a unique label on the artifact.

Questions on the program can be directed to:

globaltestingartifact@utep.edu

See the global test artifact here, manufactured from Ti6Al4V on the AconityONE laser powder bed fusion system at the Keck Center!