The successful expansion of additive manufacturing in series production is contingent on the scalability of the build volume and the productivity of additive manufacturing systems. This also applies to the selective laser melting (SLM) method – also known as laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) – developed at Fraunhofer ILT.
Further Development of SLM Technology
In Aachen, Fraunhofer ILT built a new SLM laboratory system with a very large utilizable build volume (1,000 mm x 800 mm x 500 mm), which is substantially bigger than the commercial SLM systems used to date. With the test system, Fraunhofer ILT wants to demonstrate that large SLM systems are also feasible. Christian Tenbrock, scientist in the Rapid Manufacturing group, explains: “The focus of development work is on new strategies for exposure and shielding gas flow.”
Established inert gas suction strategies are no longer effective for a very large build volume. Instead, the scientists at Fraunhofer ILT are basing their approach on small, movable processing heads with a local shielding system, which ensures a constant stream of inert gas at every processing point for build volumes of any size.
Research with Different Laser and Optical Systems
At Fraunhofer ILT, scientists are testing systems with fiber lasers as well as exposure concepts with cost-effective diode lasers. In addition to their research into established scanner systems with mirrors, they are also investigating a moving processing head with highly dynamic linear axes and several individually controllable diode lasers. The advantage of this multi-spot processing is the ability to significantly and cost-effectively increase the system’s build-up rate by increasing the number of beam sources. With the new system concept, it is also possible to increase the build volume solely by extending the travel length of the axis system – without changing the optical system. According to Tenbrock: “Because both optical systems have their characteristic pros and cons, we will continue to pursue both approaches.”
The research findings will give machine manufacturers a foundation upon which to develop and build the next generation of SLM systems. “We hope that the system concept will lead to a breakthrough in the successful use of this technology in series manufacturing,” says Tenbrock. The easy scalability of SLM systems is a powerful argument for the concept: because there is no need to adjust the shielding gas system and the optical system, it is easier than before to adapt the build volume to the respective application. “We create process conditions that are constant and easy to control, thereby improving process robustness,” continues Tenbrock.
Added Value Thanks to Smart Processing Strategies
Another important point – particularly for system developers – is that the scientists at Fraunhofer ILT develop not only the system technology, but also the parameters for efficient process management. “The added value is created through intelligent strategies for exposure and path planning as well as suitable process parameters,” explains Tenbrock. The long-term goal of this development is not just to open up new applications for SLM but also to tackle challenges such as internal stresses and distortion of SLM parts. Above all, the new system concept shall make it possible to manufacture functionally optimized SLM structural components on an XXL scale for demanding sectors such as the aerospace, automotive and tool and mold making industries – in accordance with the new trends in lightweight design and functional integration.
Fraunhofer ILT at formnext
Using process videos, the ILT scientists will be demonstrating how the new laboratory system is able to swiftly manufacture XXL components with high process reliability at the joint Fraunhofer booth F50 in Hall 3.0 at the formnext trade fair from November 14 to 17, 2017 in Frankfurt.
Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT