Fraunhofer’s UltraGRAIN project enables in-process microstructure control for metal AM

• Researchers from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and RMIT University have demonstrated a method to control the grain structure of metal components during additive manufacturing (AM). The work was carried out within the UltraGRAIN research project, which focused on laser-based directed energy deposition (DED-LB). The project concluded on February 25, 2026, following a final partner meeting in Dresden. […]

Researchers from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and RMIT University have demonstrated a method to control the grain structure of metal components during additive manufacturing (AM). The work was carried out within the UltraGRAIN research project, which focused on laser-based directed energy deposition (DED-LB). The project concluded on February 25, 2026, following a final partner meeting in Dresden. UltraGRAIN project partners meeting in Dresden. Image via Fraunhofer IWS. The consortium included the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS, the Fraunhofer Institute for Additive Manufacturing Technologies IAPT, and RMIT University in Melbourne. Supported by the Fraunhofer ICON program and Australian partners, the project aimed to develop a scalable approach for tailoring mic