Development of handling system concepts for additive process chains with Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF)

Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) is an additive manufacturing (AM) technology that enables the production of highly complex and individualized metal components. Since these components need post-processing, L-PBF is usually utilized within a manufacturing process chain. The automation of this process chain is a crucial step towards the industrialization of L-PBF. This paper presents a methodology for the conceptual design of handling systems for the automated handling of L-PBF components. It includes the selection of gripping and clamping devices, robots and other peripheral systems. Restrictions that arise from the complexity of the components and the technologies are considered.