Additive manufactured material’s (AM) oxidation properties are evaluated at different temperatures (>300°C) by means of oxide thickness measurements and mass gain or loss determinations after laboratory exposures. The exposure can by carried out in air or reactive gas depending on the application.

Oxidation tests give information on how fast, how thick and how stable an oxide layer forms on a metallic alloy at high temperature. High oxidation rate means that the metal will quickly be consumed and transformed into a metal oxide (corrosion product). This can have a direct impact on the mechanical and structural properties of components. The oxidation rate of AM materials can differ from conventional manufactured material because of AM materials’ complex microstructure and therefore need to be investigated separately. Laboratory exposures we offer quantifies the oxidation resistance of your material in an environment which usually resembles the application.

Sample coupons are placed in a tube furnace which is heated up to desired temperature. Synthetic air or any other active gas is flowed through the tube. Samples are weighed before and after exposure to determine the mass change and the thickness is measured to evaluate changes in thickness caused by oxidation.

It is also possible to deposit salts or other expected corrosive deposits from the targeted application to determine their impact. Thermal cycling can be added and compared with isothermal tests to investigate the effect of varying temperature.

Oxides or corrosion products can then be further analysed with microscopy or chemical characterisation methods to gain better understanding of the corrosion mechanism.

A report with summarised data in graphs and results from calculated oxidation rate.

As an independent partner, RISE conduct air quality measurements of trichloramine in indoor swimming pool facilities according to the recommendations from Folkhälsomyndigheten.

The characteristic scent of indoor swimming pool is trichloramine. Thichloramine is formed when nitrogen containing contaminations from e.g. urine and sweat reacts with chlorine used for cleaning of the water. Trichloramine is volatile and evaporates from the water into the air where it can cause health issues as irritated respiratory tract and eyes. Asthma can worsen from exposure to trichloramine.

According to Folkhälsomyndigheten the indoor swimming pool practice needs to have routines to control the indoor air quality at indications or risk for elevated levels of thichloramine.

 https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/publicerat-material/publikationsark…  

https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/publikationer-och-material/publikationsarkiv/f/folkhalsomyndighetens-allmanna-rad-hslf-fs-2021-11/

Thichloramine is measured from air pumped through a quartz filter.

Folkhälsomyndigheten recommends measurements above the water surface. If the facility uses recycled air, also the maximum recycled air need to be measured.

In addition, RISE suggests measurements next to the pool to better reflect levels for personnel.

RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB, Chemistry and Applied Mechanics is accredited as a testing laboratory according to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (Accreditation certificate nr 1002).

A report is obtained after measurement and evaluation.

At confirmation of quotation

The construction must be able to withstand a fully developed fire and prevent the fire from spreading between, for example, two apartments.

Testing is performed according to EN 1364-1 which describes a method for determining the fire resistance of non-load-bearing walls . The standard must be read together with EN 1363-1. To get the most out of tests, RISE is happy to help you choose what to test to reach as wide field of application as possible.

The method can be applied to non-load-bearing inner walls with or without glazing, walls consisting mostly of glass and other inner or outer walls with or without glazing. The method is also applicable to fixed windows.

The test specimen is mounted in a supporting construction, usually a standard frame with an opening of 3 meters x 3 meters, with a vertical side free and the remaining three sides attached to the supporting construction. If any of the dimensions, length or width of the test object is in practice less than 3 meters, this dimension shall be tested in full scale.

The test specimen must be constructed as in practice. According to the standard, different design solutions may not be mixed in a test, such as different types of glass, if it does not conform to the design solution used in practice.

For walls and windows that must meet the requirements for insulation, thermocouples are mounted on the non-fire-exposed side of the wall. For constructins where the temperature on the non-fire side can exceed 300 °C, the radiation can also be measured. During the test the deformation shall be measured for later use as basis for assessments.

The test specimen with the supporting construction is placed on a vertical furnace which is then heated according to the standard fire source curve which is described in EN 1363-1. The test lasts as long as you wish to get it approved for. You can also extend the test time slightly and then get better conditions for subsequent assessments of similar constructions. During testing, the following requirements for the product are investigated:

E = Integrity (tightness) i.e. flames, openings and hot gases

I = Thermal insulation

W = Radiation

For certain walls, mechanical action is required and then the impact test according to EN 1363-2 must be used. Impact tests are performed using a 200 kg heavy bag that is swung towards the wall at the end of the test, see photo below. After passing the impact test, index M is given to the classification.

Testing takes place in Borås or Trondheim.

After testing, a test report with the results is delivered in Swedish/Norwegian or English. The report can be used as a basis for a classification according to EN 13501-2, which in turn can be used in declaring fire performance in connection with CE-marking or a Swedish type approval. Read more about CE-marking of doors here.

The classification standard EN 13501-2 defines the classes that can be used in Europe and the classes in the table below can be applied to non-load-bearing walls and fixed windows. National authorities in the member states can choose not to use all classes, which is why it is important to check which classes are of interest before testing.

EN 1363-1

EN 1363-2

EN 1364-1

EN 13501-2

We can offer a broad selection of analyses and tests combined with good experience with concrete assessment and applied science in the fields of concrete durability, alkali silica reaction (ASR), chemical attack etc.

We do evaluation of concrete´s condition and it´s properties. The structural analysis is used in different types of investigations, i.a. evaluation of the extent and the causes of deleterious processes, which lead to cracking of the concrete.

Examples of our expertise:

• Damage assessment.
• Concrete petrography, analysis of thin and polished sections.
• Control of quality and composition of concrete, water-cement ratio, air content, etc.
• Evaluation of how the cracks affect the durability of the concrete
• Assessment of ASR in order to appoint a suitable life prolonging measures for a construction.
• Microstructural analysis in SEM, semi-quantitative chemical analysis of building materials.
• Assessment of risks of sulphate attack on concrete in marine environment.
• Evaluation of degree of leaching in concrete exposed to a high moisture load.

Structural analysis of concrete and other cement-based materials

According to the approved offer

Amongst several of the parameters that defines how a metallic powder will perform in additive manufacturing, the powder flowability is essential to ensure a thin and reproducible deposit of the metal powder, layer-after-layer until the object is finalized.

The properties of metal powders intended for powder bed-based additive manufacturing are critical to how well the process function as well as final material quality. A number of these powder properties have an effect on the flowability of the powder. It is not possible to determine whether a powder has acceptable flowability for the current process / machine brand only by standard powder characterization. RISE therefore offers practical functionality testing of metal powder with relevance to flowability and packing properties with the intention of providing information on how the current powder works in the process.

This service can advantageously be combined with Powder characterization for additive manufacturing to provide a deeper understanding of the result.

The test is performed in two steps using different methodology and with different focus, which also gives the opportunity to interrupt the experiment after the first stage if the result is clearly negative.

Step 1: The powder spreading properties are examined with an equipment (TESTER) that mimics the process used in laser powder bed fusion technology. A number of layers are spread over an area of ​​125x125 mm with a rubber or steel blade attached to an experimental recoater. Recoater speed and layer thickness are varied and the outcome in terms of packing density is defined. Topographic studies of the top layer can be performed with confocal microscopy where varied focus is used for imaging with great depth of field for calculation of various parameters that describe the surface characteristics.

Step 2: The powder spreading properties are then examined directly in the intended powder bed machine. The equipment is filled with the powder and a number of layers are spread over the substrate plate via the powder spreading unit (recoater) in the machine. The powder layer is studied with raking light and documented. This procedure is repeated for a number of lowering of the substrate plate and a number of spread powder layers. An approved result is a homogeneous, evenly distributed, and repeatable powder spread. The results are linked to results from the TESTER equipment and previous experience at RISE to provide an overall assessment of the powder functionality.

This service can advantageously be combined with the services Printing with Laser Powder Bed Fusion for metallic materials or Parametric development for laser powder bed fusion.

The results are delivered according to agreement, usually in the form of a written report which can be supplemented  with an oral presentation including PowerPoint. The customer is provided with a statement on the powder's functionality in the process.

RISE test and demo site for additive manufacturing includes manufacturing capabilities in industrial grade machines for Laser Powder Bed Fusion. Via this service, we provide direct access to printing capacity in RISE machinery.

Connected to the actual printing, it possible to realize several support activities such as material development, simulation calibration, and characterization of corrosion- and mechanical properties. This all together will provide a comprehensive information about the printed part no matter if it is a functional prototype, demonstrator or even when preparing for test production.

Based on costumer request, the purpose of the experiment can vary, and the documentation is adapted based on this.

To ensure best output, via an initial technical meeting the boundary conditions (technical, financial, lead-time, expectations, results, etc.) will be defined for the specific activity, after which RISE will prepare a work order. Once the work order has been accepted, the activity will be launched.

The printing will be performed according to RISE pre-defined routines for traceability and cleanliness.

The results are delivered according to agreement, but usually in the form of a written reports together with the produced result from the manufacturing trial.

Buildjob preparation for Laser Powder Bed Fusion in metallic materials

Ackredited productions test for third party quality assurance of CIPP-liner projects.

The tests usually performed is measurement of wall thickness, ring stiffness or bending stiffness and residual styrene according to standardized methods in EN ISO 11296-4:2018.

The final quality of a CIPP-liner is very much dependent on the competence and experience of the entrepreneur. Swedish Water does therefore recommend that sampling of test pieces should be performed. A spot-check of the tested parameters is valuable for the client, so that the characteristics are fulfilling the requirements set in the procurement process.

The tests are performed according to the test standards described in EN ISO 11296-4:2018 and the order by the client:

Wall thickness: EN ISO 3126

Ring stiffness: ISO 7685

Bending stiffness: EN ISO 11296-4:2018, Annex B

Residual styrene: ISO 4901

The results are presesendet in a ackredited technical report, together with comparison to the requirements or the design values.

Dependent on availability in the laboratory, but within three weeks.

The prices are set according to a price list.

For price information, provide CIPP-dimension and requested tests.

A ring of the pipe is needed for the ring stiffness tests, preferrably with a length of 600 mm.

For bending stiffness a smaller piece is needed, preferrably 400x400 mm.

Residual styrene can be measured on a piece that have the dimensions 100x100 mm.

EN ISO 11296-4

EN ISO 3126

ISO 7685

ISO 4901

EN 1228

The initial step in manufacturing with Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) is buildjob preparation, during which the process parameters, component and build strategy are defined and set. Connected with buildjob preparation an analysis of the preparation's manufacturability is carried out to estimate risks in the manufacturing process.

RISE address the provided component geometry with respect to orientation in the build volume, support structure designs and assignment of process parameters. This generates a build file for the selected L-PBF machine.

There are several challenges associated with manufacturing components with L-PBF such as overheating, deformations, and more. These can cause problems during the process that lead to component failure during manufacturing or give an unusable result. Therefore, the preparation is combined with an analysis of these associated challenges to increase the probability for successful print.

RISE offers buildjob preparation for the metallic materials that have been approved by the machine supplier or RISE.

The process consists of four steps that are performed in sequence but can advantageously be iterated to increase the manufacturability of the buildjob preparation.

The steps in the process

Component orientation - - based on customer specification in the form of written instructions / drawings or alternatively in the component file's coordinate system (z-direction indicates build direction). If there is no customer specification, RISE can offer recommendations based on parameters such as distortion tendency, cost and the need for support structure.

Support design - based on selected material, a suitable support structure is assigned and adapted based on process knowledge by our application engineers.

Assignment of process parameters - all approved materials have one or more parameter sets with different benefits. The selection is made in dialogue with the customer and assigned to the build file.

Analysis of manufacturability - can be carried out with great variation in scope. At the lowest level, the buildjob must be inspected by an application engineer to assess risk and be approved for the selected process. This process step can be extended with geometry analysis and process simulation according to costumer request.

The results are delivered according to agreement, but usually in the form of a written report together with the prepared buildjob file.

Optimized process parameters are essential for successful additive manufacturing, where the parameters must be optimized for the intended component / product. First, the significant parameters are optimized for smaller test objects, which are then transferred to the specific component. That provides a cost-effective and quality-assured AM.

RISE can offer process parameter optimization for existing materials, as well as for newly developed materials, when manufacturing of bulk material via laser powder bed fusion. A number of significant process parameters are varied and combined during manufacturing trials. This is followed by characterization of specimens, which can for example include microstructure evaluation, surface topography analyses, hardness, residual stress evaluation, mechanical testing as well as corrosion properties. Which characterization that are suitable for the specific activity, will be discussed before the work starts. This iterative process can be offered  through any of the three listed solutions:

• • Assessment of processability for specific powder alloy
• • Identifying a process window for specific powder alloy
• • Optimized process parameters with respect to the selected response for manufacturing of bulk material

A number of significant process parameters for manufacturing of bulk material are selected for experimental trials. The test matrix is ​​set up according to a linear design of experiments model where each point in the matrix corresponds to a manufactured specimen. The response measured and evaluated after manufacturing is usually density, percentage of defects and hardness, but not limited to. Evaluation takes place with the help of design of experiment theory.

When a functional process window is identified, a quadratic optimization model is applied in the next step for further experiments. In this step, the process parameters that have proved significant in the previous step are varied within the functional process window. The purpose is usually to optimize the process parameters with respect to low percentage of defects. Once the process parameters have been found for smaller test objects, they can be transferred to larger parts to evaluate the outcome. Depending on the outcome, potentially additional loops might be needed.

The results are delivered according to agreement but usually in the form of a written report together with optimized process parameters.

RISE can assist you with condition assessments, damage investigations and be a independent party in disputes.

Scope

With RISE's broad competence and large lab resources we can in principle handle all claims, large and small. It can be everything from incorrectly constructed stairs and deformed beams to complete collapses and incorrectly constructed frames. If necessary, we can test materials and constructions in order to be able to express ourselves with greater certainty about the causes of damage. We can also help to impartially interpret regulations (laws, ordinances and regulations) and conduct investigations in disputes.

Contact

Houses - Constructions and execution

Contact any of the contact persons below.

Houses - Wood constructions

Contact any of the contact persons below.

Houses - Indoor environment and building physics

See link below to specific website.

Concrete constructions

See link below to specific website.

Steel constructions

See link below to specific website.

Depending on the nature of the assignment, site visit is made in connection with the investigation.

Report