mul2 Lab

Center for Advanced Aerospace Structures and Mechanisms

Mul2 Lab is a research laboratory dedicated to developing innovative solutions for structures and mechanisms intended for space and aerospace applications. To achieve this goal, the laboratory is equipped with various infrastructures that cover all phases of device realization, from virtual design to experimental verification. Specifically, the laboratory operates through the following key stages:

  • Design and Numerical Analysis
  • Prototyping
  • Testing
  • Data Acquisition

Academic Staff

Prototyping

The laboratory is equipped with a comprehensive range of facilities for rapid prototyping, primarily based on additive manufacturing techniques such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). These tools enable the development of high-performance components using advanced materials and technologies. The available equipment includes:

Markforged Mark II - CF FFF

A high-precision 3D printer for composite materials, capable of embedding continuous carbon fiber into nylon or Onyx® matrix. It enables the creation of lightweight, mechanically strong components for aerospace applications.

Technical Specifications

  • Technology: Continuous Fiber Fabrication (CFF) + FFF
  • Build volume: 320 x 132 x 154 mm
  • Layer thickness: 100-250 µm
  • Max extruder temperature: ~270 °C
  • Reinforcements: Carbon fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar®
  • Software: Markforged Eiger

Apium A200

An industrial-grade 3D printer optimized for high-performance thermoplastics such as PEEK, PEI, and PPSU. The adaptive heating system ensures excellent interlayer bonding and controlled crystallization.

Technical Specifications

  • Technology: High-temperature FFF with Adaptive Zone Heating
  • Build volume: 205 x 155 x 150 mm
  • Extruder temperature: up to 540 °C
  • Bed temperature: up to 60-200 °C
  • Layer thickness: 50-600 µm

Mingda M400

A large-format FDM printer designed for industrial-grade materials, including filled polymers and engineering thermoplastics.

Technical Specifications

  • Build volume: 400 x 400 x 400 mm
  • Layer thickness: 50-400 µm
  • Extruder temperature: up to 300 °C
  • Bed temperature: up to 110 °C
  • Supported materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, nylon, TPU, composites

Bambulab A1 Mini + AMS

A compact, multi-material desktop printer supporting rapid prototyping with technical polymers, including filled and reinforced filaments. The AMS system allows automatic filament management and color/material switching.

Technical Specifications

  • Features: Auto bed leveling, multi-material AMS system
  • Build volume: 180 x 180 x 180 mm
  • Layer thickness: 50-300 µm
  • Extruder temperature: up to 300 °C
  • Bed temperature: up to 100 °C
  • Materials: PLA, PETG, ABS, composites (metal/ceramic filled)

Debinding Station

A processing unit used to remove the binder material from metal or ceramic "green" parts produced by bound metal/ceramic printing prior to sintering. Digital Ultrasonic bath DU-32+ Bench-top filtration fume cupboard.

Technical Specifications

  • Function: Solvent or thermal debinding
  • Applications: Metal/ceramic additive manufacturing workflows
  • Capacity: 3.2 litres
  • Operating temperature: up to ~200 °C (depending on binder)
  • Temperature regulation: up to 80 °C
  • Timer: adjustable from 1 to 99 minutes
  • Ultrasonic frequency: 40 KHz
  • Tub dimensions: 240 x 135 x 100 mm

Zetasinter Oven

A high-temperature furnace for densification and thermal treatment of metallic or ceramic parts after debinding, ensuring structural integrity and material performance.

Technical Specifications

  • Maximum temperature: 1700 °C
  • Atmosphere: Air, vacuum, or inert gas
  • Application: Post-processing of additively manufactured parts

Testing

The laboratory is equipped with advanced testing facilities to ensure the mechanical performance, durability, and reliability of prototypes and materials under various conditions, meeting the demanding requirements of aerospace and space applications. The available testing equipment includes:

ED Shaker - Brüel & Kjær LDS 406

An electrodynamic vibration shaker for modal and dynamic testing of components. Used to assess structural response and fatigue behavior under controlled vibration.

Technical Specifications

  • Max force: 200 N
  • Frequency range: 5 Hz - 9 kHz
  • Max displacement: 18 mm

Instron Universal Testing Machine

A universal testing system for mechanical characterization of polymers and composites, measuring tensile, compressive, and flexural properties.

Technical Specifications

  • Load capacity: 5 kN
  • Application: Tensile/compression testing of technopolymers
  • Features: Digital control, precision load cell

Data Acquisition

The laboratory is equipped with advanced data acquisition systems, providing precise measurement and analysis of mechanical, thermal, optical, and electrical responses. These tools support a wide range of testing scenarios and offer detailed insights into material and structural behavior. The available systems include:

Digital Image Correlation - Dantec

A non-contact optical measurement system using two synchronized cameras for full-field 3D strain and deformation analysis (PANTEL).

Technical Specifications

  • Type: Stereo-camera DIC system
  • Measurement: 3D displacement and strain fields
  • Resolution: Sub-micron (depending on optics and setup)

Sonoscout - Brüel & Kjær System

A portable, wireless 12-channel data acquisition system for vibration and acoustic testing in laboratory and field conditions.

Technical Specifications

  • Channels: 12
  • Sensors: Accelerometers, microphones, hammers
  • Features: Real-time wireless recording and analysis

Single-Axis Accelerometers (x16)

Precision Brüel & Kjær sensors for measuring vibration and dynamic response across multiple test points.

Technical Specifications

  • Type: Piezoelectric accelerometers
  • Sensitivity: ~10 mV/g
  • Frequency range: DC 10 kHz

Acoustic Emission Microphones

High-sensitivity Brüel & Kjær microphones for detecting and analyzing acoustic emissions during material deformation or failure.

Technical Specifications

  • Frequency range: up to 100 kHz
  • Application: Damage detection and structural health monitoring

VibVue - Video Motion Magnification

A high-speed video system that amplifies minute motion to visualize dynamic behavior, vibrations, and impact events.

Technical Specifications

  • Frame rate: High-speed (1000 fps)
  • Function: Motion and vibration visualization

Drone with Optical Acquisition

An aerial platform equipped with high-resolution cameras for data collection and visual inspection in difficult-to-reach environments.

Technical Specifications

  • Payload: Optical cameras
  • Function: Remote sensing and inspection
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