Fraunhofer Institute IAPT
Fraunhofer Institute IAPT

Technologies along the entire process chain

Fraunhofer IAPT can avail itself of the most varied technologies and systems when it comes to additive manufacturing and laser technology. We can, therefore, always select the most suitable manufacturing technology and appropriate system, depending on component requirements. This applies to both metals and plastics. From laser beam melting (LBM) for filigree medical implants and wire arc welding (WAAM) for large structures, to laser hybrid joining of components manufactured in different processes, we can select the appropriate process in every case to meet your requirements. Our technology and system portfolio is regularly expanded, with our primary goal being to provide our customers with the best cross-technology and non-proprietary solutions for their application. A few of the processes and systems available to us are illustrated below.

 

Powder bed processes for metals

Fraunhofer IAPT has been working for years in the area of additive manufacturing based on metal powders. The goal is to improve the speed and stability of the process and document each working step in a transparent manner.

 

Metal Binder Jetting

The metal binder jetting is characterised by high component precision, process reliability and the possibility of cost-effective production in large quantities. This process uses a powder bed in a similar way to laser beam melting, whereby an organic ink is imprinted via a print head instead of being melted by a laser beam to produce the component. The printed green parts are then debound and sintered to the final metallic component.

 

Nozzle/wire processes

Fraunhofer IAPT exploits both laser and electric arc processes to supply energy to the process for nozzle- or wire-based additive manufacturing. If they are robot-guided, both variants are subject to almost no build space restrictions. They are particularly suitable for cost-effective spare parts production and repairs. Post-processing involving machining is generally necessary.

 

Laser beam processes

Fraunhofer IAPT has been involved for many years now with laser beam fusion, cutting, and deposition. Integrated solutions and adapted processing systems with sensors for automated process control and quality assurance are available. One special option that is available is a 30 m long portal system.

 

Polymer and non-metal processes

The development of bionic component structures and integration of new functions in polymer components are particular focal points of Fraunhofer IAPT. The integrated implementation of electrically conductive traces in three-dimensionally shaped electronic components should be highlighted. In addition, tests are being conducted on new polymer materials that can be cost-effectively processed

 

Finishing

Surface qualities achieved directly with additive manufacturing processes usually require a post-process involving smoothing. Finishing can, depending on the requirements components need to meet, be realized at Fraunhofer IAPT through post- processing involving abrasive blasting or, also, milling, grinding, vibratory grinding, or electro-polishing. Finishing is optimized at Fraunhofer IAPT to suit the component involved.

 

Autonomous systems

Fraunhofer IAPT works on the development of intelligent autonomous systems with the aim of implementing the data and the function of the desired component into the system, then obtaining the completed component. Systems of this nature are developed individually and as a whole in the form of an autonomous container-based production factory.