Several researchers from IPN participated in the INOV.AM International Conference, where they presented research developed in areas including additive manufacturing and computational simulation applied to additive manufacturing processes.

The poster focused on the development of self-lubricating high-entropy alloys based on FeCrMnAlTi, incorporating CaF₂ as a solid lubricant. The research aims to develop advanced materials suitable for the production of metal components through additive manufacturing, particularly Selective Laser Melting (SLM), combining the mechanical and thermal characteristics of high-entropy alloys with improved performance in terms of friction and wear.

The study included the preparation and characterisation of the alloy through mechanical alloying and atomisation processes, as well as initial investigations into its processing by SLM. The research also addresses key challenges associated with the preparation and processing of these materials, including powder flowability, atomisation behaviour, cracking during the SLM process and chemical homogeneity.

The development of self-lubricating materials may contribute to reducing friction and wear and, consequently, to improving the durability of components operating under demanding conditions. In this context, the results contribute to the optimisation of material preparation and manufacturing processes, with a view to the future production of self-lubricating high-entropy alloy components.