The expertise of the Georges Friedel Laboratory lies in three fundamental areas: Materials, Mechanics and Processes. LGF research covers a broad and continuous field, ranging from processes for producing elementary constituents to processes for transforming materials (bulk or particulate) and products, and from the physicochemistry of interactions between materials and their environment to structural mechanics, using a multi-scale approach.
LGF’s research activity could be summarised as: “Sustainability and energy efficiency of components and the factory from grain to factory / From material to component”.
The laboratory maintains a good balance between experimental and numerical approaches, whose role is to provide physical, predictive modelling of the phenomena analysed. Digital technologies are gaining momentum with the development of “digital twins”, as well as the implementation of processes, including metal additive manufacturing processes. In this context, within Mines Saint-Étienne, LGF is a partner of INITIATIVE 3D.
LGF expertise in metal additive manufacturing
LGF contributes expertise in:
- extractive and process metallurgy;
- in-service performance of materials in harsh environments;
- powders: physical, mechanical and chemical behaviour, and life cycle.
Several studies have been carried out on the development and detailed characterisation of new aluminium alloys (with THALES and SAFRAN) and steels (with MICHELIN) for powder bed fusion (SLM) processes, leading to several patent filings.
This work is carried out jointly with INITIATIVE 3D stakeholders and led to the launch of the AEROPRINT project with, in particular, DASSAULT AVIATION, CONSTELLIUM and AddUP. The complete life cycle of the powder is studied in this context, with strong involvement from the teams working on powders and metal oxidation.
Finally, in collaboration with INITIATIVE 3D, Mines Saint-Étienne is participating in an investment plan for wire-based generative manufacturing technology (WAAM) and will contribute its expertise in materials development and processing (wire rolling in particular) and analysis in support of joint projects at regional, national and European levels.
Video on the Fabwaam platform: