Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA
Additive manufacturing
Our extensive expertise and customized solutions in the field of additive manufacturing open up a wide range of possibilities for you. Whether you are looking for the optimal process technology for the production of complex components, want to offer customized product configurations and therefore require an end-to-end additive process chain or want to use a certified material in your additive process – we can support you in in various ways.
Our services are based on an understanding that cost-effective implementation in an industrial environment is not only dependent on the additive manufacturing process, but also on its integration into existing manufacturing environments, as well as the appropriate product design, the expertise of the design engineers and the right quality assurance strategy.
We facilitate initial steps at low risk with feasibility studies to determine the processability of specific materials and the selection of the right additive processes for specific applications. In case of success or if extensive experience in additive manufacturing is already existing, we provide extensive support according to the objectives of our customers and partners all the way to final implementation. Learn about our comprehensive solutions in more detail.
Our solutions in detail
Construction, design and data processing
What we offer:
- Process-optimized component design: Implementation of component requirements in optimized designs to capitalize the application-specific benefits of additive processes
- Data processing and build-job creation to ensure a smooth additive manufacturing process
- Workshops and case studies on component optimization and exploiting the degrees of freedom in additive manufacturing
Analysis of raw materials for photopolymers and thermoplastics
What we offer:
- Analysis of raw materials to determine their suitability for additive processes
- Process-specific identification of printing parameters
- Comprehensive laboratory equipment for material analytics (photopolymers and thermoplastics).
- Test rigs and manufacturing equipment for processing tests and feasibility studies
Application-specific selection of technologies and systems
We will provide you with systematic support for the application-specific selection of additive technologies and equipment throughout the entire process chain: data processing, material conditioning, additive processes, post-processing, quality control, further processing.
Process development and optimization
What we offer:
- Development, adaptation and optimization of additive manufacturing processes enabling the application-specific utilization of (new) materials and to achieve application-specific requirements.
- Conception, development and integration of required pre- and post-processing steps
Development, selection and combination of combined process chains
By combining complementary manufacturing processes, it is possible to produce complex components with integrated functionality. In particular, the combination of additive processes, precision assembly and micro-dispensing opens up new opportunities in the field of electronic and mechatronic systems.
Analysis and qualification of printed components
What we offer:
- Analysis of additively manufactured components: Mechanical properties, surface analysis, residual dirt analysis, biocompatibility.
- The analysis can use internal department equipment and the laboratory infrastructure of other departments of Fraunhofer IPA.
- Development of process optimization measures and QS measures
Inline QM monitoring and data acquisition
What we offer:
- Methods for inline monitoring of additive processes based on machine-internal sensor data and with additional sensors
- Method development for correlation of sensor data and component properties/qualities in
Development of pilot plant systems and process modules
What we offer:
- Design, construction and commissioning of custom laboratory and pilot plant systems for polymer-based, additive processes and piezo inkjet technology
- Application-specific development of system control and operating software
- Integration of peripheral processes (e.g., UV lighting, QS systems, post-processing of additively manufactured components)
- Development of process modules to be integrated by the customer into existing or newly developed machine technology (if required in collaboration with manufacturers of customized machines)
Business model development
We develop implementation strategies and provide support during the methodological development of business models to establish additive manufacturing technology in your business for the long term.
Process development and feasibility studies for functional inkjet printing
For stable and reproducible inkjet-process, it is key that the ink material system, the substrate and the print head are optimally aligned. We can support you by using our state-of-the-art measuring systems to obtain comprehensive information about the properties of the material to be printed and its interaction with the substrate. We will also help you to introduce a new material system in your digital printing application — from identifying potential areas of application to selecting the print head and implementing process development, including various pre- and post-processing steps.
Additive manufacturing of biomechanically personalized medical devices
Learn more about our collaboration in the field of medical technology
Using artificial intelligence methods in additive manufacturing
Learn more about our collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence.
Medical cleanliness in additive manufacturing
Learn more about our medical cleanliness in additive manufacturing.
Implementation strategies for additive manufacturing processes