New machine concepts

Machine components and systems for additive manufacturing

© Fraunhofer IPK
»PlasmaPrint« system, developed for a DED process based on microwave-induced plasma.

As still quite young technologies, additive manufacturing technologies offer considerable innovation and optimization potential in terms of production systems – especially with regard to productivity, process robustness and alternative manufacturing concepts. For the powder bed based process Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) Fraunhofer IPK develops machine concepts for multi-laser thermal management and laser based preheating. We also research new approaches to monitor these processes, for example, using thermographic methods or on the basis of structure-borne noise emissions. In the field of DED technologies we are working with our partners on system concepts for welding processes using microwave-induced plasma and for hybrid welding processes (laser and plasma).

Whether you would like to optimize single components of your manufacturing system, design a complete production system or implement a completely new concept – we are your development partner. With our comprehensive expertise in all core disciplines of mechanical engineering and our distinctive process understanding in the field of additive manufacturing, we support you in a targeted and effective manner.

Our services

  • Development and optimization of complete machine systems or individual components
  • Thermo-mechanical evaluation of production systems by simulation
  • Development of novel monitoring systems for inline quality control
  • Smart maintenance concepts for AM systems

Industrial applications

  • Multi-laser strategies for difficult to weld materials such as hard metals or titanium aluminides
  • Hybride manufacturing concepts, e.g. Laser + Plasma-DED oder L-PBF + DED
  • Melt pool and material monitoring in the L-PBF system
  • Digital twin of AM systems

 

Technical equipment

  • RenAM 500 Q HT: Latest generation L-PBF system with four lasers and 500 °C preheating
  • Aconitiy Mini: Modular L-PBF system for basic research
  • Microwave plasma DED systems
  • TruLaser Cell 7020: Economical laser DED system