This year’s exhibits at Formnext focuse on materials particularly suited for aerospace applications but so far rarely used in LPBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion) processes, as well as on printed components with integrated electrical functions. But the booth itself is also a highlight: It is fully 3D-printed, using elements made from biodegradable plastic and recyclable polypropylene (PP). After the event, the modular system will not be discarded.
In the Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) process, metal powder is selectively melted and solidified layer by layer using a laser beam, creating components with high geometric precision. #FraunhoferIWU's Dresden branch has recently acquired a high-temperature LPBF system that enables preheating of the powder bed surface to temperatures up to 1200 °C, depending on material requirements. This allows easier processing of refractory metals such as tungsten, as well as metallic materials with similar thermal properties, like titanium aluminide. While these materials have primarily been processed using Electron Beam Melting (EBM) in industry, high-temperature LPBF enables new possibilities for higher resolution, especially thin-walled structures, and precise control over the resulting microstructure.
Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly (Large-Scale) #3DPrinting: Ideal for Exhibition Furniture, Durable Components, Special Tools
For the trade show booth, experts from Zittau and Chemnitz used biodegradable plastic (for light-colored components) and recyclable polypropylene (for black components). The latter significantly reduces manufacturing costs. The base material is an inexpensive granulate that already contains recycled carbon fibers and can be remelted indefinitely. Only 55 kg of black-colored granulate was needed to "print" the three shelving units and the counter, with a total manufacturing time of just under 13 hours. With a lean sales concept, a counter like the one presented in Frankfurt could be cost-effectively sold for about €1500. The modular system, which is easy to assemble and reconfigure, offers great flexibility for exhibiting items. When there is enough space, the shelves and counters can be freely placed in the room, offering "unobstructed" views from multiple angles. In tight spaces, the system can also be aligned with (temporary) walls. The individual components are space-efficient for transport; the counter (170 cm wide, 110 cm high, and 50 cm deep) is an excellent example of large-scale 3D printing. Thanks to its sandwich construction, it is lightweight yet has high load-bearing capacity. These properties are also beneficial for installations in special vehicles, for example. Fraunhofer IWU takes advantage of the geometric freedom and relatively short manufacturing times to produce custom special tools, such as handling systems for industrial robots or molds and fixtures.
source : Fraunhofer IWU
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