about us
Access e.V. is a non-profit, independent research institute in Aachen. Founded in 1986 as a spin-off of RWTH Aachen University, it is now a renowned center for materials research and innovative manufacturing processes, especially for metallic materials. In its own TechCenter, casting production routes and materials are developed and qualified for a wide range of industrial applications. Digital technologies, which are developed as independent simulation tools and can be integrated into virtual process chains, are a cross-sectional topic. The thematic and methodological diversity serves to implement specific customer requirements quickly and in a targeted manner and to master the major social challenges together.
Feature project
Weight savings through low-pressure investment casting of particle-reinforced AlCu turbine parts
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Business areas
Research at Access e.V. covers the entire process chain for manufacturing metallic products. The focus is on alloy development, material characterization and the production of prototypes and small series in accordance with the industry standard EN 9100. The basis for this is the cross-scale digital mapping of product and process. Common simulation tools are used for this, but we also develop our own simulation tools such as MICRESS.
Access works together in six coordinated business areas:
Basics of solidification
Experimental verification and further development of solidification and material models
Microstructure simulation
Spatially and time-resolved simulation of microstructure development in multicomponent and multiphase alloys based on the phase field method
Material development
Materials development for conventional, additive and hybrid manufacturing processes
Process simulation
Simulation of casting and additive manufacturing processes with a focus on fluid dynamics, thermomechanics and solidification physics
Process development & prototype production
Aerospace-compliant production and qualification of machined casting prototypes and small series in a wide range of alloys
Material characterization
Quality control as well as microstructure and texture analysis using 2D and 3D high-resolution imaging techniques
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