Professor Zeidler in the Saxon Academy: Future of Additive Manufacturing!

Professor Zeidler in the Saxon Academy: Future of Additive Manufacturing!

Professor Henning Zeidler was recently elected as a full member of the Saxon Academy of Sciences. This choice is a great honor for him, which he accepts with joy as it offers him the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary manner. Zeidler, who has held the chair for additive manufacturing at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg since 2017, is intensively dedicated to researching and developing technologies in the field of 3D printing. He uses a variety of different materials and also investigates cutting and abrasive processes in the additive process chain.

A focus of his work is on plasma electrolytic polishing, which is crucial for a high-quality surface finish in additive manufacturing. Through his research, Zeidler makes a valuable contribution to the scientific basis for the processing of both conventional and sustainable raw materials. He also strives to transfer the results achieved into practice. A video interview with the Saxon Academy of Sciences will shed light on upcoming topics and other aspects of his field, such as tu-freiberg.de reported.

Additive manufacturing in focus

Additive manufacturing, often referred to as 3D printing, is revolutionizing the production of complex, functionally integrated and individualized components. The technology has proven increasingly attractive to the industry, particularly with new materials and falling costs. Nevertheless, it is clear that further developments are necessary to further optimize efficiency, quality and costs. Implementing these technologies in companies requires not only new ways of thinking, but also adapted tools in construction as well as suitable manufacturing environments and new business models. The Fraunhofer IPA in Stuttgart deals intensively with these challenges and offers support from strategic usage analysis to implementation in the company ipa.fraunhofer.de informed.

A central aspect of the research work at Fraunhofer IPA is the further development of the core processes of additive manufacturing. We are also working on hybrid manufacturing processes that use complementary processes, as well as on the development of new system technologies and peripheral processes. The aim is to support companies so that they can achieve competitive advantages through the use of additive manufacturing.

Cross-industry applications

The advantages of additive manufacturing, such as shortening development times and cost-efficient production of complex geometries, are now being recognized in more and more industries. While aviation and medical technology were once the main areas of application, this technology is also spreading to tool, special machine and automobile construction. Fraunhofer IPK is gaining in importance through close collaboration with companies to examine practical use cases and develop suitable processes, such as production.fraunhofer.de describes.

Particular attention is paid to metal processing processes such as Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED). These processes make it possible to offer economical manufacturing solutions for new tool concepts and to develop tailor-made repair processes. In addition, modern simulation tools are used, which help to significantly shorten the time to market. Ultimately, it shows that additive manufacturing is seen as a crucial component in overcoming current production challenges.