MNM deelproject

Design innovation of unique 3D metal printed catalytic reactors  with computational fluid dynamics.

Design innovation of unique 3D metal printed catalytic reactors with computational fluid dynamics is a project in which the Dutch Addcat and the German Femto GmbH work together with extra support of the University of Duisburg-Essen.Project goalThe project goal is to improve the efficiency of 3D-printed catalysts, e.g. for air purification, by 50% based on new designs developed through advanced simulations. Improved technical efficiency will increase profitability and support the transition from prototypes to production parts.&nbsp;Project activitiesThe activities include the improvement of the reactor design in combination with manufacturability (DfAM) and material selection (increased thermal conductivity). In addition, the design improvements developed will be investigated using CFD analyses. The design is optimized both for the catalytic process and for manufacturability (specifically for 3D printing technology). Materials are adapted, parts are printed, tested and improved. This cross-border collaboration between Germany (FEMTO, UDE) and the Netherlands (AddCat) will leverage the strengths of both regions in technology and (additive) manufacturing, fostering innovation and economic growth in the border area. By combining expertise from AddCat with Femto and UDE the gap between the current prototype status (TRL6) and test production (TRL 8) can be bridged leading to increased profitability. This cooperation can strengthen the technological ecosystem in the border region, and contribute to sustainable economic development.&nbsp;Project partnersThis project consists of the three partners AddCat, the university of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) (also partner in the MNM project) and FEMTO.&nbsp;AddCat is an innovative start-up specializing in air purification through catalytic oxidation using its products to reduce industrial emissions in markets such as the chemical industry, food processing and solvents (e.g. paint spraying of cars on large scale). By integrating oxidation catalysts into 3D-printed metal structures, AddCat creates advanced reactor technologies designed for effective air purification. With its expertise in both technical and chemical processes, AddCat focuses on developing cutting-edge 3D-printed catalytic reactors for industrial applications.&nbsp;The Chair of Manufacturing Technology at the University of Duisburg-Essen is involved in the research on metal and polymer additive manufacturing. The scientific expertise of the chair includes the qualification and mechanical analysis of new materials for the PBF-LB/M process, Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) and the postprocessing of PBF-LB/M parts. In addition to that the chair is also committed to the area of standardization, the founding of start-ups or the training and further education.&nbsp;FEMTO provides comprehensive solutions for complex computer-aided engineering (CAE) through consultancy, software, training, technical support, and R&amp;D. With a team of expert engineers specializing in structural, thermal, and flow (CFD) simulations, as well as systems engineering, Femto offers in-depth analysis, validation, and optimization throughout the product development process.