• Chemistry and Materials

Materials and Surfaces Engineering Platform (PIMS)

Platform

Description

The PIMS platform contributes to the understanding of the process-microstructure-properties relationship with the aim of improving the performance and durability of materials and structures. The platform comprises 3 poles allowing the elaboration of materials by conventional processes, the elaboration by additive manufacturing (Powder Injection Molding) and the characterization of their microstructures and properties. Using our equipment, we can not only control the relationships between the parameters of the elaboration process, the microstructure and the mechanical properties of a metal alloy on the scale of a simple geometry specimen, but also transpose them to the scale of a larger casting with a more complex geometry in order to optimize its properties. We also work on friction materials and are able to develop materials with formulation and manufacturing process control. The PIMS platform is strongly connected to the ISIS4D and 4Maat platforms. We are open to all academic and industrial collaborations and propose services in line with our expertise.

Contacts

  • Arnaud Beaurain
    Technical manager
  • Denis Najjar
    Scientific manager
  • Jean-François Witz
    Technical manager

Informations

Bâtiment ESPRIT, Avenue Paul Langevin
Campus Cité scientifique, Université de Lille
59650 VILLENEUVE D'ASCQ

Chiffres clés

• € 1.8 million of equipment
• 217 m² of surface

Effectif

Effectif total : 4

Expertises

Skills

• Metal alloy
• Ceramics
• Friction materials
• Development processes
• Microstructures
• Mechanical properties
• Thermal properties
• X-ray tomography
• Surface topography
• Surface electrochemistry

Example(s) of projects

• Development and characterization of aluminum alloy specimens with controlled microstructures and defects for automotive applications
• Development of organic-based friction materials incorporating biosourced and/or recycled elements
• Additive manufacturing of passive components by topological optimization

Collaborations/Partners/Scientific clients

University of Sfax (Tunisia), Technion (Israel)

Services offers

Applications sectors

  • Construction / Architecture / Urban planning / Real Estate
  • Automotive industry
  • Science / Research

Services provided

• Elaboration by casting or controlled solidification of metallic materials
• Development of friction materials (filled polymers)
• Elaboration by additive manufacturing of metals and ceramics
• Characterisation of the microstructures of materials
• Characterisation of the thermal and thermomechanical properties of materials
• Electrochemical and topographic characterisation of surfaces

Training offers

Equipment training

Consulting services

We provide consulting services related to all our areas of expertise.

Equipments

We possess a wide range of equipment:
• Foundry and controlled solidification equipment for the elaboration of metallic materials
• Equipment for the elaboration of friction materials (Press with heated platens, Blender)
• Additive manufacturing equipment for metals and ceramics (Printers and furnace for, debinding and sintering)
• Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for the characterisation of materials microstructures
• Optical profilometry for the characterisation of materials topography
• Equipment for thermal and thermomechanical properties identification (LFA, dilatometer, hot disk, TGA/DSC)

Equipments

Nom Modèle Marque
Foundry
Controlled solidification Specimen 3D
Additive manufacturing equipment
Press with heated platens Lab 600/ Fontune Presses
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) S-3600N/ Hitachi
Optical profilometry set NT1100/ WYKO
Thermal properties measuring equipment LFA NETZSCH
Equipment for measuring thermal properties TPS 2500S/ HOT-DISK
Dilatometer DL 402 PC/ NETZSCH
Simultaneous thermal analyzer (ATG/DSC) LABSYS

Ecosystem

Affiliated institutions / organisations

CNRS
Centrale Lille

Unit(s) of attachment

Groups/Networks/Federations

Labellisations

Regional strategic areas of activity

  • Chemistry and Materials
    • Coatings and surface treatments
    • Industrial processes engineering, efficient processes