Investigations on the combination of DED-LB/M and forming

• Applicants: Professorin Dr.-Ing. Marion Merklein; Professor Dr.-Ing. Michael Schmidt
• Subject Area: Primary Shaping and Reshaping Technology, Additive Manufacturing
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 513618377

Laser Metal Deposition (DED-LB/M) is used for repair welding as well cladding and increasingly for additive manufacturing. The layer thickness is the result of complex interactions of process and powder supply parameters. This leads to low geometric resolution. Therefore, the final part geometry is realized by time and cost intensive machining. However, mechanical properties can not be influenced by machining. A promising approach to handle these challenges is the combination of DED-LB/M and forming with alternating application of the process steps. The aim of this project is to receive a fundamental knowledge of interactions of forming structures from DED-LB/M in a combined process chain. By forming, not only the final part geometry can be achieved but also a defined geometry for a subsequent DED-LB/M process. Additionally, the combination offers the opportunity of work hardening by forming. Due to the heat impact in DED-LB/M, which is the time and local dependent energy input, the grain structure and mechanical properties can be modified. Therefore, specific factors of both processes are varied. The temperature fields and curves are manipulated. With that, the origin mechanical properties can be kept up or manipulated by annealing or recrystallization. Regarding forming, the limits of work hardening are analyzed, which depend on parameters of DED-LB/M and forming. The knowledge can be used for realizing tailored part properties by applying the process combination.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants