ON LAYER MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES AT FRAUNHOFER

Within the German Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the Fraunhofer Alliance Rapid Prototyping unites the competences of 12 institutes in the field of solid freeform fabrication. Covered competences are virtual and computer-aided product planning methods and techniques, the development and integration of materials and processes for different industrial sectors. This paper presents actual research results on layer manufacturing within the FraunhoferGesellschaft based on examples from Fraunhofer ILT »Laser Melting Direct manufacturing of metal parts with unique properties«, Fraunhofer IFAM »ecoMold A novel concept to produce molds for plastic injection molding and pressure die casting« and Fraunhofer IPT »Quick manufacture, repair and modification of steel molds using Controlled Metal Build Up (CMB)«. Introduction to Fraunhofer The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft undertakes applied research of direct benefit to private and public enterprise and of wide benefit to society. Its services are solicited by customers and contractual partners in industry, the service sector and public administration. The organization also accepts commissions and funding from German federal and state ministries and government departments to participate in future-oriented research projects with the aim of finding innovative solutions to issues concerning the industrial economy and society in general. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft was founded in 1949 and is a recognized non-profit organization. Its members include well-known companies and private patrons who help to shape the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s research policy and strategic development. At present, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft maintains roughly 80 research units, including 58 Fraunhofer Institutes, at over 40 different locations in Germany. A staff of some 12.700, predominantly qualified scientists and engineers, work with an annual research budget of over 1 billion euros. Affiliated research centers and representative offices in Europe, the USA and Asia provide contact with the regions of greatest importance to future scientific progress and economic development. The organization takes its name from Joseph von Fraunhofer (1787-1826), the illustrious Munich researcher, inventor and entrepreneur.