Research Activities:

Rapid Tooling on the basis of 3D-jet-printer for micro injection moulding of free forming geometry
(Short designation: Freeform Microtool)
part-financed by the Ministry for Science, Research and Culture in Thuringia

Duration
October 2001 - July 2003

Project participants    
Technical University of Ilmenau / Department Industrial Engineering, Eugen Helm GmbH

Aim
This  research project aims at the development of a chain of techniques for economical and fast production of free forming injection moulding cavities within miniature and micro ranges on  the basis of 3D-jet-printing.

Results
The intended project as focused on the development of cost-effective and time-reduced manufacturing techniques for micro products and extension of their capabilities. In addition to applications in large scale manufacture, possibilities of application in small-lot production and in the fabrication of prototypes will also be provided.

Final report: Lecture on 25.05.2004 on the Rapid.Tech in Erfurt

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Fast and flexible production of micro tools and micro parts out of metal and ceramic
(Short designation: Vacuum SLS)
part-financed by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Duration
April 2001 - September 2003

Project participants
University of Applied Science Mittweida / Institute for Laser Technologies LIM, Fraunhofer IFAM, Fraunhofer IKTS, Fraunhofer IWU, Dr. Teschauer & Petsch AG, IVS Solution AG, EGT GmbH, MiLaSys GmbH

Aim
On the basis of combined plant-, material-, software and process developments, this research project is aimed at the development of a novel manufacturing technique (vacuum SLS) for a generative production of miro-structured components or tools of metallic and ceramic materials at a varriety of shapes, features and flexibility unobtainable up to now.

Results
By the research work concerning manufacturing techniques and miniaturization of tools,
new and improved process cycles and manufacturing equipment can be
expected which will lead to innovations in micro finishing techniques. As a result of the development of techniques, an SLS process should be available which permits connecting ultrafine metallic and ceramic powders so that micro parts of sofar-unobtainable dissolution and surface quality can be generated.

•  Degree dissertation: "Application from rapid tooling-processes in the small series productionof plastic parts"; graduand Christian Heß; University of Applied Science Schmalkalden; Portec GmbH