Solheim Manufacturing Science & Technology Laboratory

MSTL

Manufacturing Science and Technology Laboratory is a research facility at Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Washington. The lab broadly focuses on the development of Traditional and Non-Traditional manufacturing techniques to improve the machinability of engineering and engineered materials.‏https://depts.washington.edu/mstlab/research/

Metal 3D Printer at Mechanical Engineering, UW

large gearsWhat is Solheim MSTL?
Solheim Manufacturing Science and Technology Laboratory (MSTL) strives to provide a fundamental understanding of the basic physics of existing manufacturing processes. The effects of manufacturing processes on the mechanical, fatigue properties, surface quality and structural integrity of both engineering and engineered materials is recognized and studied in detail.


Our Vision

The research mission of the Manufacturing Science and Technology Laboratory is to provide a fundamental understanding of the manufacturing processes mechanics and modeling. The effects from manufacturing processes on the mechanical, fatigue properties and structural integrity of both engineering and engineered materials. While not limited to machining, the laboratory has a primary focus on material removal processes and their contribution to the short- and long-term component performance, health, and safety issues. The laboratory is well equipped to investigate fundamental issues related to machining, tribology, surface treatment, material fracture/fatigue, and to solve problems of industrial relevance. Broad research efforts are presently focused on the following areas:

    • Development of new and/or improvement of existing manufacturing processes with emphasis on modern manufacturing processes of both engineering and engineered materials or advanced composites.
    • Development of Mechanistic Models in Subtractive (Material Removal ) and Additive Manufacturing Processes
    • Cutting Tool Development to Machine Hybrid Composites.

Evaluation of surface integrity resulting from material removal processes and their contribution to fatigue and fracture.

Research areas

  • Ultra High Pressure Abrasive Waterjet Machining

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    Metal 3D printing

    Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing of Titanium

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    Friction Stir Welding and Superplastic Forming

    Friction Stir Welding and Superplastic Forming of Titanium alloys

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    Abrasive Water Jet

    AWJ machining of hybrid composites and high strength materials

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    Milling

    Machining of hybrid composites