Plansee, Franklin, Mass., has now developed a selective laser melting process for refractory metals. In this process, a thin layer of refractory metal powder is applied on a base plate. The laser fuses the powder exactly at the point directed by a CAD program, then another layer is applied and the laser fuses the next section of the part. The process continues until the part is built, and unmelted powder can be used for a new part. The first components have already been delivered to customers.
In addition to the high yield of material, the process of selective laser melting offers additional advantages: For the production of customer-specific components, neither special tools nor molds are needed.
“Nearly all geometries are possible. The only input we need is a 3D drawing from our customer,” Bernhard Tabernig says enthusiastically. He is responsible for the development of new materials and technologies at Plansee.
The new process can be used, for example, in medical technology. “We have already constructed components for X-ray diagnostics. They have a particularly complex grid structure for absorbing scattering radiation as well as possible,” explains Peter Singer, project engineer. ” Without the new manufacturing process, we could not hold these products in our hands.”
