Description of the RI

The research infrastructure of the Laboratory Network of Material Development and Technologies is unique even at international level.

The RI network unifies „state of the art” infrastructure and competences required for semi-industrial material development,- production- and examination techniques. The RI network offers possibilities to produce metallic materials starting from powders and melts. In case of powders, shaped components can be produced with 3D printing, while in the case of melts, with die or continuous casting. The upcoming shape giving can be realized with cold or hot rollings with the aid of a VonRoll roll stand, and forging. To set the required properties, heat treatments can be performed. New recipes can be established for PUR foams, final products can be manufactured using a PC controlled robot. The structure of the final products can be examined in 2 or 3 dimensions, from the macroscopic dimensions down to nanometer scale, with even nanometer resolution with the aid of a dual tube CT and scanning electron microscope. With the use of the Xe plasma beam integrated into the electron microscope, micromachinings can be realized, and the microstructure can be reconstructed in 3D through examinations of consecutive layers. The Gleeble thermo-mechanical physical simulator is a complex system that can faithfully reproduce material technologies under laboratory conditions. Besides, it creates the conditions of a real technology circumstances, the behaviour of the material or structure during operation can also be studied and the effects can be analysed together and separately. The RI network offers possibility to the physical modelling of fatigue processes of pressure vessels, and also, to reveal the explosion conditions of dusts. In addition, residual stresses can be measured in a non-destructive manner in the near surface regions of metallic components with even complex geometry, also with automated mapping and the depth profile of stresses can also be revealed.

Activities and Services

The RI actively participates in the gradual and post-gradual trainings of higher education. Within this, it supports the BSc and MSc graduations and obtaining PhD and DSc scientific degrees, strengthening the excellence of the host institute. It aids the realization of national and international scientific research projects. Through the high-quality publications connected to the conducted researches, the RI increases the international visibility of the host institute. It ensures accessibility to its competences for industrial members in the form of R&D activities or other forms. Through these, the RI produces own revenue and at the same time, it serves the scientific needs of the industrial area.