Additive manufacturing refractory metals and silicate materials

• Subject Area: Production Technology
• Term: Funded in 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 432439509

The focus of research is the additive manufacturing process based on ultra-short pulse laser radiation. Therefore, an adjustable energy distribution in the working zone is applied to print silicate materials and refractory metals. The current state of the art does not exhibit a complete solution to realize the different research tasks. Now, processes like selective laser melting (SLM) only apply Gaussian and rectangular beam distribution. To further optimize the pursued material properties the flexible variation of beam profile, hatching strategy and layer thickness is important. Here, a software, which is completely embedded in the machine control, is necessary. The complex beam shaping requires the monitoring of all relevant laser parameters to ensure a stable and reproducible result. The complete system provides the possibility develop and analyse the printing process in a special chamber. Finally, the applicant is able to simulate and optimize the complete environment with existing virtual tools and software surroundings.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Gerät zur additiven Fertigung hochschmelzender Metalle und silikatischer Werkstoffe
• Instrumentation Group: 5740 Laser in der Fertigung
• Applicant Institution: Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena
• Leader: Professor Dr. Jens Bliedtner