GROTESK

Project manager: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wesling

Funding period: 07.06.2018 - 28.02.2022
Funding body: ERDF / State of Lower Saxony
Application number: ZW6-8501 8048

Processors: P. Neef, R. Bernhard

GROTESK - "Generative manufacturing of optical, thermal and structural components"
Development of material systems for the generative manufacturing of OTS components

As part of the MWK guideline "Innovation through universities and research institutions", the Clausthal Center for Materials Technology has been awarded funding for a sub-project in an innovation network consisting of Clausthal University of Technology and institutes at Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts and the Laser-Zentrum Hannover e.V..

CZM is a partner in the joint project "Generative Manufacturing of Optical, Thermal and Structural Components" (GROTESK), which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The aim of the project is the generative production of laser components such as mechanical mounts for laser crystals, focusing optics and their holders as well as matching light guides. First of all, the mechanical and optical functions of the components must be fulfilled, but the physical properties of the different materials and the thermal conditions in the process must also be taken into account.
The generative production method offers significant advantages due to reduced assembly costs and overall laser systems that are optimally matched to the area of application.
The sub-areas of the project are the development of an overall system concept (additive manufacturing cell, HsH) with integral consideration and prediction of the properties of the components to be manufactured (optical systems, LUH) as well as the consideration of suitable material selection and processing (material systems, CZM) for the development of a functioning overall system with optimum efficiency (system integration/suitability, LZH).

Within the three-year joint project, CZM is carrying out the sub-project "Material systems for the generative production of OTS components". Here, CZM is focusing on the development of material systems that fulfill the diverse requirements of the various components of a laser system in a suitable form and enable additive manufacturing. Another main focus is on defining the parameters for processing the materials using a laser.

By means of targeted adjustment of the material composition and the material surfaces, the physical properties of the material are to be adapted so that the requirements regarding thermal suitability, material structure and process quality are met.

The melting point, thermal expansion and thermal conductivity are particularly important here, but also the viscosity of the melt as well as the structural changes and segregation processes that occur during solidification, so that a connection between the fundamentally different material groups can be made possible.
Since both wire- and powder-bound processing of the materials with continuous filler material feed is the aim, it is necessary to investigate the various adaptation options for both processes.

Additive manufacturing has found its way into industrial production in recent years, but its potential is far from exhausted. In particular, its high flexibility and automation capability offer essential opportunities for further establishment. The use of additive manufacturing within the GROTESK innovation network thus goes hand in hand with positive development opportunities for Lower Saxony's regional innovation strategy for intelligent specialization (RIS3).

The GROTESK innovation network is funded proportionally by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the state of Lower Saxony and is in contact with regional industrial partners.
Together with scientists from various universities and research institutions, interdisciplinary research in cooperation with partners from industry and society leads to sustainable research into important future topics in which CZM plays a pioneering role.