Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
  • Publication
    Microstructure of Inconel 718 parts with constant mass energy input manufactured with direct energy deposition
    ( 2019)
    Petrat, Torsten
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    Graf, Benjamin
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    The laser-based direct energy deposition (DED) as a technology for additive manufacturing allows the production of near net shape components. Industrial applications require a stable process to ensure reproducible quality. Instabilities in the manufacturing process can lead to faulty components which do not meet the required properties. The DED process is adjusted by various parameters such as laser power, velocity, powder mass flow and spot diameter, which interact with each other. A frequently used comparative parameter in welding is the energy per unit length and is calculated from the laser power and the velocity in laser welding. The powder per unit length comparative parameter in the DED process has also be considered, because this filler material absorbs energy in addition to the base material. This paper deals with the influence of mass energy as a comparative parameter for determining the properties of additively manufactured parts. The same energy per unit length of 60 J/mm as well as the same powder per unit length of 7.2 mg/mm can be adjusted with different parameter sets. The energy per unit length and the powder per unit length determine the mass energy. The laser power is varied within the experiments between 400 W and 900 W. Energy per unit length and powder per unit length are kept constant by adjusting velocity and powder mass flow. Using the example of Inconel 718, experiments are carried out with the determined parameter sets. In a first step, individual tracks are produced and analyzed by means of micro section. The geometry of the tracks shows differences in height and width. In addition, the increasing laser power leads to a higher dilution of the base material. To determine the suitability of the parameters for additive manufacturing use, the individual tracks are used to build up parts with a square base area of 20×20 mm². An investigation by Archimedean principle shows a higher porosity with lower laser power. By further analysis of the micro sections, at low laser power, connection errors occur between the tracks. The results show that laser power, velocity and powder mass flow must be considered in particular, because a constant mass energy can lead to different geometric as well as microscopic properties.
  • Publication
    Assessing the predictive capability of numerical additive manufacturing simulations via in-situ distortion measurements on a LMD component during build-up
    ( 2018) ;
    Graf, Benjamin
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    Due to rapid, localized heating and cooling, distortions accumulate in additive manufactured laser metal deposition (LMD) components, leading to a loss of dimensional accuracy or even cracking. Numerical welding simulations allow the prediction of these deviations and their optimization before conducting experiments. To assess the viability of the simulation tool for the use in a predictive manner, comprehensive validations with experimental results on the newly-built part need to be conducted. In this contribution, a predictive, mechanical simulation of a thin-walled, curved LMD geometry is shown for a 30-layer sample of 1.4404 stainless steel. The part distortions are determined experimentally via an in-situ digital image correlation measurement using the GOM Aramis system and compared with the simulation results. With this benchmark, the performance of a numerical welding simulation in additive manufacturing is discussed in terms of result accuracy and usability.
  • Publication
    Embedding electronics into additive manufactured components using laser metal deposition and selective laser melting
    ( 2018)
    Petrat, Torsten
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    Kersting, Robert
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    Graf, Benjamin
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    The paper deals with the integration of a light emitting diode (LED) into an additive manufactured metal component. Selective laser melting (SLM) and laser metal deposition (LMD) are used. The material used is the chrome-nickel steel 316L. The basic component is manufactured by means of SLM and consists of a solid body and an area with grid structure. The solid body includes a duct in the shape of a groove with a recess for the positioning of the power cable. The LED is embedded in the grid structure via an inlet from the solid body. In further processing, the groove is filled with LMD. Two strategies with different parameter combinations were investigated. It shows that a high energy input near the power cable leads to its destruction. By using multiple parameter combinations during the manufacturing process, this destruction can be prevented. There was a comparison of both strategies with regard to the necessary number of tracks and duration of welding time.
  • Publication
    Laser-plasma-cladding as a hybrid metal deposition-technology applying a SLM-produced copper plasma nozzle
    ( 2018) ;
    Kersting, Robert
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    Graf, Benjamin
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    Laser-Metal-Deposition (LMD) and Plasma-Transferred-Arc (PTA) are well known technologies which can be used for cladding purposes. The prime objective in combining LMD and PTA as a Hybrid Metal Deposition-Technology (HMD) is to achieve high deposition rates at low thermal impact. Possible applications are coatings for wear protection or repair welding for components made of steel. The two energy sources (laser and plasma arc) build a joint process zone and are configurated to constitute a stable process at laser powers between 0.4-1 kW (defocused) and plasma currents between 75-200 A. Stainless steel 316L serves as filler material. For this HMD process, a plasma Cu-nozzle is designed and produced by powder bed based Selective Laser Melting. The potential of the HMD technology is investigated and discussed considering existing processes. This paper demonstrates how the interaction of the two energy sources effects the following application-relevant properties: deposition rate, powder efficiency and energy input.