Functionalization of parts by generating an internal structure using SLM and post-processing methods

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Eckart Uhlmann
• Subject Area: Primary Shaping and Reshaping Technology, Additive Manufacturing ; Metal-Cutting and Abrasive Manufacturing Engineering
• Term: from 2019 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 426311977

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is an additive manufacturing technique with increasing industrial relevance. This is mainly due to the combination of geometric design freedom and good mechanical properties of the components. With this technique, it is also possible to set a defined porosity in the components and thus to functionalize the material. While the residual powder serves as a support structure during the process, it must be removed manually and costly after the manufacturing process. High-pressure blasting with liquid CO2 (HDCO2) enables a dry and residue-free processing of various materials. At the IWF, with a specially developed test-setup, a liquid CO2 jet with a pressure of up to 3000 bar can be generated. The liquid CO2 jet is temporarily usable for the machining of workpieces and surfaces before it passes completely into the gas phase. Recent results on jet impact forces, jet velocities and notch geometries show that the process is suitable for cleaning and offers potential for industrial application. In the present project, based on investigations on the influence of the SLM process parameters on the formation of powder adhesions on internally structured components, the applicability of the HDCO2 process for the post-processing of additively manufactured, internally structured components is investigated.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants