SMF CAM2: Implementation of point melting

Purpose and goal:

AIM Sweden is a manufacturer that focuses on additive manufacturing with EBM technology and we have seen a potential in a melting strategy based on points instead of the contour and filling strategy used today. This SME project within the framework of CAM2 has been a follow-up study into the possibilities with and what is required for spot melting with the EBM Ti6Al4V process.

We have managed to implement spot melting for product geometries where surface finish and reduced support needs have been the driving force. Expected results and effects:

Within the framework of the project, we have implemented spot melting for impeller wheels and orthopedic implants. För Impeller-wheels, the need for support was greatly reduced and for some orthopedic implants it was almost eliminated. Overall, combined with finer surfaces, especially in overhangs, it results in reduced total costs and higher quality of the products. The project has led to a customer wanting to go ahead and qualify the process for production.

Approach and implementation:

Due to a lack of time of the coordinating project partner and the fact that the promised software from the machine supplier was delayed, the whole project was quite delayed. But with new recruitment, more focus could be put on the project. Originally, the project had a broader focus with more different work packages, but since the aim was to implement the point melting against actual customer cases, the project was focused on the work packages that had the greatest customer interest, which was successful as it led to a direct order for a qualification work.