Research on layer manufacturing techniques at Fraunhofer

Within the German Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the Fraunhofer Alliance Rapid Prototyping unites the competences of 12 institutes in the field of solid freeform fabrication. Covered competences are virtual and computer-aided product planning methods and techniques, the development and integration of materials and processes for different industrial sectors. This paper presents actual research results on layer manufacturing within the Fraunhofer- Gesellschaft based on examples from Fraunhofer ILT: Laser Melting - Direct manufacturing of metal parts with unique properties; Fraunhofer IFAM: ecoMold - A novel concept to produce molds for plastic injection molding and pressure die casting; and Fraunhofer IPT: Quick manufacture, repair and modification of steel molds using Controlled Metal Build Up (CMB).