A ROUND ROBIN STUDY FOR LASER BEAM MELTING IN METAL POWDER BED

Authors

  • Bhrigu Ahuja Institute of Photonic Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
  • Adam Schaub Institute of Manufacturing Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
  • Daniel Junker Institute of Manufacturing Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
  • Michael Karg Institute of Photonic Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
  • Felix Tenner Institute of Photonic Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
  • Raoul Plettke Institute of Manufacturing Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
  • Marion Merklein Institute of Manufacturing Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
  • Michael Schmidt Institute of Photonic Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7166/27-2-1201

Keywords:

Additive Manufacturing, Laser Beam Melting, Round Robin Study

Abstract

With its ability to fabricate fully dense three-dimensional structures by selectively melting micro-sized metal powder, the additive manufacturing process of laser beam melting (LBM) is considered by many to be a significant technology that is complementary to the conventional forming and subtractive manufacturing processes. However, even with its ability to fabricate structures with characteristics comparable to conventional fabrication, the LBM process often lacks the consistency and degree of repeatability essential for its industrial acceptance for certain end-product applications. Inconsistency in the characteristics of structures is often related to a combination of variations in system technology, process, and user influence. In order to understand fully the potential and limitations of the LBM process, the paper discusses the design, methodology, and results of a round robin test conducted within the Collaborative Working Group (CWG) lasers in production at the International Academy of Production Engineering (CIRP). Observed mechanical characteristics for samples from each of the participants are presented. The experiments are designed to obtain data related to mechanical characteristics for different build orientations and processing conditions in addition to the inherent system technology variations. The paper further discusses the observed process phenomena and their association with the induced mechanical characteristics. 

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Published

2016-08-12

How to Cite

Ahuja, B., Schaub, A., Junker, D., Karg, M., Tenner, F., Plettke, R., Merklein, M., & Schmidt, M. (2016). A ROUND ROBIN STUDY FOR LASER BEAM MELTING IN METAL POWDER BED. The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 27(2), 30–42. https://doi.org/10.7166/27-2-1201

Issue

Vol. 27 No. 2 (2016)

Section

General Articles

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