Access uses computer-aided methods to investigate microstructure development in metallic materials along the manufacturing and processing chain. The simulation models provide quantitative correlations between process and microstructure as well as microstructure and properties. ACCESS develops and distributes the MICRESS and HOMAT software packages for this purpose.

In addition to a wide variety of casting processes (including sand casting, gravity die casting, die casting or directional solidification for the production of single crystals), Access deals with the joining processes of welding and soldering, as well as microstructural development, in particular solid phase transformations in the course of heat treatment steps. The transfer and extension of simulation models for the description of solidified joints in additive manufacturing is another new and exciting field of work. For the thermodynamic material description of multi-component alloys, Access uses the CALPHAD approach as well as programs and databases from Thermo-Calc Software.

Current developments are aimed at a consistent digital description of material structures across process boundaries, as well as linking different simulation models on different scales. One example is the linking of process models on a component scale with a local microstructure description for the material. The data exchange and interaction of different simulation calculations can be realized, for example , via the open simulation platform AIXVIPMAP.

Access works on the topics listed above as part of publicly funded basic research, application-oriented joint research or in direct cooperation with our customers.