Master Thesis in Laser Powder Bed Fusion
This master thesis project focuses on advancing the development of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), a significant contributor to the German industry's digital transformation.
The LPBF process enables formless manufacturing and is characterized by medium-sized companies. When utilizing zinc, it aligns with overarching goals of resource conservation and sustainability.
In addition to offering design options for component construction, LPBF results in finer microstructures, leading to good mechanical properties. This allows for material savings or locally varying properties. Due to its corrosion properties and biocompatibility, individual biodegradable medical Zn implants are also conceivable.
A key challenge lies in accurately optimizing the process parameters for powder properties through efficient powder management, including production, storage, and recycling.
The low melting point of Zn necessitates careful consideration of aging and creep processes in design, but these aspects have yet to be investigated for LPBF structures.
We aim to unlock the full potential of LPBF with Zn by establishing process-property relationships based on the analysis of state-dependent hierarchical structures and mechanical properties.