Fraunhofer-Institut für Produktionsanlagen und Konstruktionstechnik IPK

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  • Publication
    Heat treatment of SLM-LMD hybrid components
    ( 2019)
    Uhlmann, Eckart
    ;
    Düchting, Jan
    ;
    Petrat, Torsten
    ;
    Graf, Benjamin
    ;
    Rethmeier, Michael
    Additive manufacturing is no longer just used for the production of prototypes but already found its way into the industrial production. However, the fabrication of massive metallic parts with high geometrical complexity is still too time-consuming to be economically viable. The combination of the powder bed-based selective laser melting process (SLM), known for its geometrical freedom and accuracy, and the nozzle-based laser metal deposition process (LMD), known for its high build-up rates, has great potential to reduce the process duration. For the industrial application of the SLM-LMD hybrid process chain it is necessary to investigate the interaction of the processes and its effect on the material properties to guarantee part quality and prevent component failure. Therefore, hybrid components are manufactured and examined before and after the heat treatment regarding the microstructure and the hardness in the SLM-LMD transition zone. The experiments are conducted using the nickel-based alloy Inconel 718.
  • Publication
    Microstructure of Inconel 718 parts with constant mass energy input manufactured with direct energy deposition
    ( 2019)
    Petrat, Torsten
    ;
    Brunner-Schwer, Christian
    ;
    Graf, Benjamin
    ;
    Rethmeier, Michael
    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
    In-situ distortions in LMD additive manufacturing walls can be measured with digital image correlation and predicted using numerical simulations
    ( 2018)
    Biegler, Max
    ;
    Graf, Benjamin
    ;
    Rethmeier, Michael
    Distortions in Additive Manufacturing (AM) Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) occur in the newly-built component due to rapid heating and solidification and can lead to shape deviations and cracking. This paper presents a novel approach to quantify the distortions experimentally and to use the results in numerical simulation validation. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is applied together with optical filters to measure in-situ distortions directly on a wall geometry produced with LMD. The wall shows cyclic expansion and shrinking with the edges bending inward and the top of the sample exhibiting a slight u-shape as residual distortions. Subsequently, a structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of the experiment is established, calibrated against experimental temperature profiles and used to predict the in-situ distortions of the sample. A comparison of the experimental and numerical results reveals a good agreement in length direction of the sample and quantitative deviations in height direction, which are attributed to the material model used. The suitability of the novel experimental approach for measurements on an AM sample is shown and the potential for the validated numerical model as a predictive tool to reduce trial-and-error and improve part quality is evaluated.
  • Publication
    3D laser metal deposition: Process steps for additive manufacturing
    ( 2018)
    Graf, Benjamin
    ;
    Marko, Angelina
    ;
    Petrat, Torsten
    ;
    Gumenyuk, Andrey
    ;
    Rethmeier, Michael
    Laser metal deposition (LMD) is an established technology for two-dimensional surface coatings. It offers high deposition rates, high material flexibility, and the possibility to deposit material on existing components. Due to these features, LMD has been increasingly applied for additive manufacturing of 3D structures in recent years. Compared to previous coating applications, additive manufacturing of 3D structures leads to new challenges regarding LMD process knowledge. In this paper, the process steps for LMD as additive manufacturing technology are described. The experiments are conducted using titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718. Only the LMD nozzle is used to create a shielding gas atmosphere. This ensures the high geometric flexibility needed for additive manufacturing, although issues with the restricted size and quality of the shielding gas atmosphere arise. In the first step, the influence of process parameters on the geometric dimensions of single weld beads is analyzed based on design of experiments. In the second step, a 3D build-up strategy for cylindrical specimen with high dimensional accuracy is described. Process parameters, travel paths, and cooling periods between layers are adjusted. Tensile tests show that mechanical properties in the as-deposited condition are close to wrought material. As practical example, the fir-tree root profile of a turbine blade is manufactured. The feasibility of LMD as additive technology is evaluated based on this component.
  • Publication
    Embedding electronics into additive manufactured components using laser metal deposition and selective laser melting
    ( 2018)
    Petrat, Torsten
    ;
    Kersting, Robert
    ;
    Graf, Benjamin
    ;
    Rethmeier, Michael
    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
    Porosity of LMD manufactured parts analyzed by Archmimedes method and CT
    ( 2018)
    Marko, Angelina
    ;
    Raute, Julius
    ;
    Linaschke, Dorit
    ;
    Graf, Benjamin
    ;
    Rethmeier, Michael
    Pores in additive manufactured metal parts occur due to different reasons and affect the part quality negatively. Few investigations on the origins of porosity are available, especially for Ni-based super alloys. This paper presents a new study to examine the influence of common processing parameters on the formation of pores in parts built by laser metal deposition using Inconel 718 powder. Further, a comparison between the computed tomography (CT) and the Archimedes method was made. The investigation shows that CT is able to identify different kinds of pores and to give further information about their distribution. The identification of some pores as well as their shape can be dependent on the parameter setting of the analysis tool. Due to limited measurement resolution, CT is not able to identify correctly pores with diameters smaller than 0.1 mm, which leads to a false decrease in overall porosity. The applied Archimedes method is unable to differentiate between gas porosity and other kinds of holes like internal cracks or lack of fusion, but it delivered a proper value for overall porosity. The method was able to provide suitable data for the statistical evaluation with design of experiments, which revealed significant parameters on the formation of pores in LMD.
  • Publication
    Assessing the predictive capability of numerical additive manufacturing simulations via in-situ distortion measurements on a LMD component during build-up
    ( 2018)
    Biegler, Max
    ;
    Graf, Benjamin
    ;
    Rethmeier, Michael
    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
    Laser-plasma-cladding as a hybrid metal deposition-technology applying a SLM-produced copper plasma nozzle
    ( 2018)
    Brunner-Schwer, Christian
    ;
    Kersting, Robert
    ;
    Graf, Benjamin
    ;
    Rethmeier, Michael
    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.
  • Publication
    Application of D-optimum experimental designs in consideration of restrictions for laser metal deposition
    ( 2017)
    Marko, Angelina
    ;
    Graf, Benjamin
    ;
    Gook, Sergej
    ;
    Rethmeier, Michael
    The process of laser metal deposition can be applied in many ways. Mostly, it is relevant to coating, for repair welding and for additive manufacturing. To increase the effectiveness and the productiveness, a good process understanding is necessary. Statistical test planning is effectual and often used for this purpose. For financial and temporal reasons, a restriction of the test space is reasonable. In this case, it is recommended to use a D-optimal experimental design which is practically applied to extend existing test plans or if process limits are known. This paper investigates the applicability of a D-optimum experimental design for the laser metal deposition. The results are compared to the current results of a full factorial test plan. Known restrictions are used for the limitation of the test space. Ti6Al4 is utilized as substrate material and powder. Comparable results of the D-optimal experimental design and of the full factorial test plan can be demonstrated. However, 80 % of time can be saved by the experimental procedure. For this reason, the application of D-optimal experimental design for laser metal deposition is recommend.
  • Publication
    Statistische Analyse der Schweißraupengeometrie von Ti6Al4V beim Laserbeschichten
    ( 2017)
    Marko, Angelina
    ;
    Graf, Benjamin
    ;
    Rethmeier, Michael
    Die Bedeutung des Laser-Pulver-Auftragsschweiß-Prozesses hat in den letzten Jahren enorm zugenommen, da er vielfältig eingesetzt werden kann. Ein Beispiel hierfür ist die Reparatur von Turbinenschaufeln. Um eine hohe Qualität und Zuverlässigkeit hierbei zu gewährleisten, ist eine Anpassung der Schweißraupengeometrie an die jeweilige Reparaturaufgabe notwendig. Die Schweißraupengeometrie beeinflusst die metallurgische Verbindung und den Grad der Aufmischung sowie eventuelle Anbindungsfehler. Aus diesem Grund ist es wichtig, die Effekte der unterschiedlichen Parameter auf die Spurgeometrie zu kennen. Ein bewährtes Werkzeug hierfür ist die statistische Versuchsplanung (DoE). Hierbei kann der Nutzer jedoch zwischen einer Vielzahl von Versuchsplänen wählen. Es wird davon ausgegangen, dass bei größeren Versuchsräumen ein höherer Informationsgewinn erfolgt. Aus diesem Grund wird in dieser Arbeit ein vollfaktorieller Versuchsplan, der in fünf Stufen variiert wird, mit einem zentral zusammengesetzten Versuchsplan (CCD) verglichen. Außerdem werden Grenzen des Prozesses aufgezeigt und der Versuchsraum entsprechend durch Eingrenzungen angepasst. Die Ergbnisse zeigen, dass sowohl der vollfaktorielle Versuchsplan als auch der zentral zusammengesetzte Versuchsplan die wichtigsten Effekte aufzeigt. Lediglich die Effektstärke kann durch den CCD-Versuchsplan nicht eindeutig bestimmt werden. Für den industriellen Einsatz wird daher unter Berücksichtigung der Kosteneffizienz der Einsatz eines CCD-Versuchsplanes empfohlen.