GROTESK

Project leader: Prof. Dr.-Ing. V. Wesling Funding period: 07.06.2018 - 28.02.2022 Funding body: EFRE / State of Lower Saxony Application number: ZW6-8501 8048 Processor: P. Neef, R. Bernhard GROTESK - "Generative manufacturing of optical, thermal and structural components" Development of material systems for the generative manufacturing of OTS components

Within the framework of the MWK guideline "Innovation by Universities and Research Institutions", the Clausthal Center for Materials Technology has been awarded funding for a sub-project in an innovation network consisting of the Clausthal University of Technology and institutes of the Leibniz University of Hanover, the Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts and the Laser-Zentrum Hannover e.V.. The CZM is a partner in the joint project "Generative Manufacturing of Optical, Thermal and Structural Components" (GROTESK), which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The objective of the project is the generative manufacturing of laser components such as mechanical mounts for laser crystals, focusing optics and their mounts as well as light guides matched to them. First of all, the mechanical and optical functions of the components must be fulfilled, but the physical properties of the different materials and the thermal conditions in the process must also be taken into account. The generative production method offers significant advantages in terms of reduced assembly costs and laser systems that are optimally matched to the area of application. The sub-areas of the project are the development of a plant-technical overall concept (additive manufacturing cell, HsH) with integral consideration and prediction of the properties of the components to be manufactured (optical systems, LUH) as well as the consideration of a suitable material selection and processing (material systems, CZM) for the development of a functioning overall system with optimum efficiency (system integration/suitability, LZH).

Within the three-year joint project, CZM is carrying out the sub-project "Material systems for the generative production of OTS components". Here, the CZM is focusing on the development of material systems that meet the diverse requirements of the various components of a laser system in a suitable form and thereby enable generative manufacturing. In addition, another main focus is on the parameter definition for the process-technical processing of the materials using a laser. By means of targeted adjustment of the material composition and the material surfaces, the physical properties of the material are to be adapted so that the requirements with regard to thermal suitability, material structure and process quality are met.

Of particular importance here are the melting point, thermal expansion and thermal conductivity, but also the viscosity of the melt, as well as structural changes and segregation processes occurring during solidification, so that a connection can be made between the fundamentally different material groups. Since both wire-bonded and powder-bonded processing of the materials with continuous filler material feeding are envisaged, the various adaptation possibilities must necessarily be investigated for both processes. Generative manufacturing has found its way into industrial production in recent years, but its potential is far from exhausted. In particular, the high flexibility and the automation capability offer essential opportunities for further establishment. The use of generative manufacturing within the GROTESK innovation network thus goes hand in hand overall with positive development opportunities for the Lower Saxony Regional Innovation Strategy for Intelligent Specialization (RIS3).

The GROTESK innovation network is funded proportionally by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and by funds from the state of Lower Saxony and is linked to regional industrial partners. Together with scientists from various universities and research institutions, the interdisciplinary research in cooperation with partners from industry and society leads to sustainable research of important future topics in which the CZM is involved in a trend-setting way.