Fast, effective manufacturing of small, complex parts

Manufacturing of small batches or custom parts such as dental prosthetics can be quite costly and time consuming. Scientists developed technology to significantly decrease time, cost and material usage while enhancing quality.

Scientists initiated the EU-funded project 'Intelligent manufacture from powder by advanced laser assimilation' (Impala) to develop laser-based rapid manufacturing (RM) processes. The goal was to facilitate a significant increase in annual turnover among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by decreasing product delivery time for complex parts with small-scale features (in the order of micrometres to millimetres).

RM processes build a part by layering. Lasers can be used to melt small amounts of materials in a precise manner and with minimal heat input. The Impala system consisted of several key components focused on computerised automation and control of laser additive manufacturing processes (LAMPs). Computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer numerical control (CNC) transformed the design into manufacturing instructions to control the laser sintering and direct metal deposition processes.

Two complete Impala systems were installed, one using blown powder technology and the other powder bed technology. Three demonstrators produced for the Impala project achieved impressive reduction in cycle times compared to conventional manufacturing.

Αναλυτικά: http://cordis.europa.eu/fetch?CALLER=OFFR_TM_EN&ACTION=D&RCN=10908