This project lays the foundation for a much faster, more flexible and economical 3D printing.
A 3D printer with a high-energy potential-free plasma is developed. The distinguishing feature is an innovative nozzle concept with cannula electrodes. This enables the additive manufacturing of wire-shaped and viscous materials and provides a very efficient energy coupling.
In addition to metal alloys, the technique also allows electrically non-conductive materials such as technical ceramics to be processed by plasma welding - a world first. The plasma generation by GHz-microwaves produced by a semiconductor generator offers a cheap, safe and easily scalable energy source. The robot control of the die head increases flexibility and extends the range of applications of the PlasmaPrint printer to yet unadressed markets.
The project started in February 2019 for an 28-month period.
Fraunhofer-Institut IPK, robot-machining GmbH, DOCERAM/MOESCHTER Group GmbH, FH Aachen (IMP), IONICS SA
The project is co-financed by the Walloon Research Administration, DGO6.
