NPL strengthens 3D Printing Test Capacity with new Indentation Plastometer

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the UK’s institute of metrology, has expanded its testing portfolio with the acquisition of an Indentation Plastometer from Plastometrex. This innovative test method uses advanced algorithms to extract stress-strain curves of metals in a 5-minute indentation test.

NPL uses the instrument to rapidly characterize the mechanical properties of metallic materials, including those produced using additive manufacturing (AM).

Because of its unique ability to test small and complex shapes both quickly and inexpensively, the plastometer is particularly suited for AM materials. This gives users the data they need to make informed engineering decisions. NPL will initially use this technology to test the strength of complex lattice structures and small parameter cubes produced by laser powder bed fusion.

Tony Fry, Principal Scientist at NPL had this to say about the acquisition: “The Indentation Plastometer allows us to characterise the properties of finely structured parts in an entirely new way. The data allows us to build up a more comprehensive picture of the properties of parts made via additive manufacturing, deepening our understanding of the process.”

Plastometrex and NPL are collaborating on several projects. These include support for technology standardization, application of the tool in the AM market, and development of Plastometrex’s upcoming high-temperature system, the HotPIP.

Professor Bill Clyne, Chief Scientific Officer at Plastometrex, had this to say about the relationship: “We are delighted to be working with NPL, a world-leading organisation in this field. We are looking forward to collaborating with them on several projects that push the frontier of measurement technology for the benefit of the economy and the environment.”

This advancement underscores the steady evolution in 3D printing and the importance of accurate materials testing to its continued development.