A significant contribution to the development of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) process has been made in Germany. In the course of 25 years, a highly innovative industry has emerged, characterized by medium-sized companies. As a formless manufacturing process, LPBF is a central component of the current digital transformation of production. Especially when using zinc, it is in line with the overarching goals of resource conservation and sustainability, respectively.
In addition to more design options in component construction, the process results in a finer microstructure, which leads to good mechanical properties. Like this for example, material can be saved or properties can be varied locally. Due to the corrosion properties and good biocompatibility, individual, biodegradable medical Zn implants are also conceivable. However, the industrial breakthrough of LPBF with Zn in Germany is still hampered by imponderables that will be addressed in this project.
Approach: Dense LPBF components can only be achieved if the process parameters are accurately optimized for the powder properties. This requires powder management including production, storage and recycling. Due to the low melting point of Zn, aging and creep processes are important factors to be considered in the design, but have not yet been investigated for LPBF structures. This is achieved by establishing process-property relationships based on the analysis of the state-dependent hierarchical structure and mechanical properties.
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