Options
2012
Presentation
Titel
Selective laser sintering as additive manufacturing method for producing ceramic components
Titel Supplements
Presentation held at the 2nd International Symposium on Materials Processing Science with Lasers as Energy Sources, 24./25. April 2012, Clausthal
Alternative
Selektives Lasersintern als Generatives Fertigungsverfahren zur Herstellung von Keramischen Komponenten
Abstract
Selective Laser Sintering has the advantage to directly manufacture complex shaped parts without the uneconomic loss of material so common for conventional manufacturing methods. Originating from the laser sintering of polymers lots of research is being conducted on advanced material like metals, ceramics and their hybrids. In the past years the Fraunhofer IKTS did research concerning the laser sintering of SiC and different hydroxyapatite (HAp) powders. The HAp powders were characterized due to their laser sintering ability by varying process parameter like the spreading behavior, different grain shape and size, hatch clearance or laser scanning speed. More elaborated research was conducted concerning the laser sintering of SiSiC components. After infiltration and pyrolysis of SiC-laser s intered parts the resulting SiSiC components showed similar mechanical characteristics to those of conventional processed SiSiC components. Different complex geometries were realized e.g. a 120 mm honeycomb structured mirror support model with a wall-thickness of 1 mm (for aerospace application) and a small turbine rotor with a minimal wall thickness of 0.5 mm (as possible automotive component). Also a laser mirror with integrated cooling channels for application in moveable beam arms for laser material processing. Another successfully manufactured SiSiC component mark an injection molding tool insert (ca. 35 x 30 mm; diameter x height) with a complex structured surface and inner cooling channels. The next steps will be extended toward research dealing with more complex design and other ce ramics as well as metal-ceramic hybrids.