In the field of additive manufacturing of metallic components, inspire deals with both powder bed (selective laser melting) and powder nozzle (direct metal deposition) processes. Our research considers the entire process chain. Our core competencies include:
- Powder development and qualification (for the SLM and DMD process)
- Process windows, -management and monitoring
- Machine concepts and optimization of components
- Material qualification and component characterization
Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
The Selective Laser Melting process is suitable as a powder bed process especially for the production of smaller metallic components for applications in practically all industrial sectors, from mechanical engineering to aerospace, medical technology and tool making to applications in the jewellery sector. The strengths of the process lie in the relatively large variety of materials (Fe, Ni, Al, Co-based alloys, bronze, etc.) combined with very large geometric degrees of freedom.
Examples:
Project with Ruag Space (video clip)
Project with Nova Werke AG (video clip)
Analytical laboratory
Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical equipment and enables inspire to perform the necessary analyses along the entire AM process chain. This allows us to qualify metal and plastic powders for the SLM and SLS process, develop process windows and perform appropriate material analyses (density, microstructure, mechanical properties), as well as qualify AM components.
