Interlaminar bonding in ultrasonic consolidation

Ultrasonic Consolidation (UC) is a solid state additive manufacturing process which fabricates three-dimensional objects by ultrasonically joining metal foils together, layer-bylayer, to form a solid part. A wide range of materials can be used to fabricate parts by UC and products with complex internal geometry can be generated by shaping the crosssection throughout the build using Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) milling. As a result of its ability to embed various secondary materials and fibres in metal matrices, UC has emerged as a potential method of fabricating multi-functional materials and structures. [Continues.]