Automotive Design
Fig. 2. Daimler AG (owners of Mercedes-Benz) has one LaserCUSING machine X line 1000R in operation.
addition, the process control for processing the different alloys alongside the machine construction was worked out and the mechanical properties of the components were examined. The preliminary work now needed to be turned into
‘solid’ machine technology. In parallel with this, the functional specification was drawn up at Concept Laser in Lichtenfels together with the partners and the design phase for the new X line 1000R was then started.
melting. This patented, top-class machine technology from Concept Laser has been exported throughout the world since 2000. As a result of the cooperation project with Daimler and the Fraunhofer ILT, we hope that the generative machine technology will meet customers’ requirements on a broad basis and that it can be employed profitably,” says Frank Herzog in reflecting on the co-operation project. For the development of parts at Daimler AG, the high and flexible availability of such a machine opens up entirely new possibilities for further optimisation of the product development process. The LaserCUSING process allows the fabrication of both mould inserts with close-contour cooling and direct components for the medical, dental, automotive and aerospace sectors. Both prototypes and mass-produced parts are manufactured. Standard machines and customer-specific machine
concepts for the LaserCUSING of metals are on offer. Full service as an option at Concept Laser means that customers can purchase machines for their own independent LaserCUSING application, or access services and development expertise (prototypes and small batches) directly. The laser processing machines from Concept Laser process
Fig. 3. The X line 1000R was developed for the tool-less manufacturing of large functional components and technical prototypes, says Frank Herzog, managing director of Concept Laser.
The findings obtained in the meantime by the Fraunhofer ILT, eg in relation to temperature control of the build chamber in order to avoid any warping in the ‘oversized’ components, and in relation to the design of the powder application system, were consistently implemented in the design of the X line 1000R. “This really was uncharted territory for us. The
development of a machine concept of these dimensions in close collaboration with Daimler AG and the Fraunhofer ILT, based on our LaserCUSING technology, clearly illustrates our claim to be the technology leader in the field of laser
powder materials from high-grade and tool steels, reactive aluminium or titanium alloys, nickel-based superalloys, cobalt- chromium alloys and in future will also process precious metals such as gold and silver. The machines make it possible to shorten development
times and reduce development costs considerably. The key benefits of LaserCUSING include greater freedom of geometry, coupled with much greater flexibility in terms of product development. Another central advantage of the process is the opportunity to produce components without the use of tools and the obviation of the machine programming associated with this. l
Enter 17 or ✔ at
www.engineerlive.com/ede
Ilona Scholl is with Concept Laser GmbH, Lichtenfels, Germany.
www.concept-laser.de
www.engineerlive.com 17
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