Application Samples

The application possibilities of additive manufacturing are extremely diverse. The following reports provide a brief insight into the various possibilities of the technology, its implementation and the expected results.

Topology optimized Gripper

The aim of this gripper is to remove all masses that do not take up structural loads. This means that energy can be saved with every acceleration and deceleration of the module during the entire planned service life.

For this purpose, the places on the original geometry that must be retained are first defined in the simulation software. In this example there are four bearing points and the gripping surface. A force acting on the gripping surface and the bearing points are then defined as fixed spatial points. The simulation software then calculates the flow of force between the action and fixed points. Material is then added to the resulting lines of force until the desired theoretical safety factor is reached.

The generated geometry is then output as a step file. The component is then optimally placed in the programming software and support structures are attached where necessary. The component is then built up layer by layer on the machine. After production is complete, the supports are removed and the component is bead-blasted as standard.

Bearing Housing

The goals and the procedure for the bearing housing are the same as for the topology-optimized gripper. Unnecessary mass should be reduced and thus the overall efficiency of an assembly, seen over its lifespan, should be increased.

Fashion and Jewelry accessories

Additive manufacturing can also be used in other than mechanical engineering. An example is this simple name tag. When designing the sign, care was taken to ensure that contrasts can be used without the overall appearance being intrusive. So the lettering and the edge were simply extruded from the original surface. After production on the machine, these raised areas were given a simple finishing touch. While the sanded surfaces shine, you can still guess the layered build-up process on the untreated base.