Fraunhofer-Zentrum für Hochtemperatur-Leichtbau HTL

The Fraunhofer Center HTL develops and manufactures components made of ceramics, metal and metal-ceramic composites via additive manufacturing.

The technology field of additive manufacturing includes the development of new material systems and feedstocks, the development of new economical and flexible additive manufacturing processes, the production of prototypes and small series, the simulation-based development of components and thermal processes, and the quality management of additively manufactured components.

The focus here is on two-stage processes in which the shaping process and the thermal treatment of the components are separated from each other, as there is enormous potential here in terms of economic efficiency. Quality management in this context includes, among other things, the development of methods for in-situ control of the individual process steps, and is of great importance for industrial production, as is economic efficiency.  

High temperatures - Efficient solutions

The Fraunhofer Center for High-Temperature Lightweight Construction HTL designs energy-efficient thermal processes and thus contributes to sustainable technological progress in society. It develops high-temperature materials, high-temperature components as well as high-temperature measurement methods and thus optimizes thermal processes. The HTL works with systematic methods on a high scientific/technical level. The primary goal is the implementation of its developments in industry.

• Consulting on material and process selection 
• FE-based design and CAD construction of components 
• Topology optimization with respect to mechanical and thermal loads 
• Development of new ceramic, metallic and hybrid material systems for additive manufacturing 
• Formulation, characterization and optimization of 3D printing feedstocks 
• Quality management in additive manufacturing processes 
• Production of prototypes and small series of ceramics, metals or metal-ceramic composites by 3D printing 
• Debinding and sintering of 3D printed components 
• Melt infiltration of porous additively manufactured preforms 
• Component characterization (dimensional analysis, microstructural analysis, mechanical and non-destructive testing) 
• Optimization of heat treatment processes and development of apps for simulation

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The HTL develops and manufactures components from ceramics, metal and metal-ceramic composites via additive manufacturing. Standard materials include aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, silicon carbide and steel. The technology field of additive manufacturing includes the development of new material systems, manufacturing processes and equipment, the production of prototypes and small series, and quality management of additively manufactured components. The development of new material systems involves the formulation and synthesis of feedstocks for 3D printing. 

The aim is to adapt the processing properties of the feedstocks for the 3D printing process used in such a way that components can be manufactured with high quality while at the same time achieving the material properties desired by the customer. Examples include adjusting the flowability of powder offsets or adapting the processing properties of slurries for additive manufacturing.

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