
3D manufacturing takes step to large metallic objects
An advantage of additive manufacturing lies in the feasibility of metal components with filigree structures. In everyday applications however, such objects they can only be produced to a very limited extent. The Fraunhofer Alliance is also showing that the situation is different in this year’s Rapid.Tech and FabCon 3.D in Erfurt (Germany). Scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Short-Term Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institut, EMI in Freiburg have created a filigree cube structure with an edge length of 40 centimeters by laser beam melting. This is one of the largest objects currently achieved in 3D printing, the institute claims. According to the scientists’ believe, The exhibit shows that additive production can in future also be applied to large-volume metallic components. Their application possibilities are diverse: from crash-absorbing vehicle parts to light-weight solutions for aircraft construction.
Inter alia, Fraunhofer IWU presents a punch made by laser beam melting for a press hardening tool. What is special about this is its contiguous cooling channels and an integrated temperature sensor system. The structure, which can only be produced with generative production, allows a holding time reduced from 10 to 3 seconds during press hardening of metal sheets. In one experiment 1500 parts could be remodeled using the tool punch and three hours saved over conventional methods and tools.
More information: https://www.emi.fraunhofer.de/en.html
