3D technologies receive the highest demand from prototyping even though it expanded apllication areas. Prototyping is also very effective in product development for the companies. Emphasizing this importance, Siemens and Fraunhofer presents an enriching prototyping feature to the industry.
The traditional manufacturing of turbines which are used only one time, causes financial challenges for the firms. Thanks to the innovation developed by Siemens and Fraunhofer Technology Institute(ILT) this is not a problem anymore. Creating a modular prototyping unit only for turbine production, these technology leaders offer solutions to companies.
To withstand the high temperatures over long periods of time, the turbine vanes require complex internal cooling structures. Selective laser melting (SLM) has proven itself to be up to the challenge, especially for prototypes or small batches featuring complex geometries. Similar to using a 3D printer, special alloys are melted by laser on a powder bed. The components are then built up layer by layer.
Siemens optimized various production steps in preparation for this idea. After manufacturing via laser, the parts are precisely measured, subjected to finishing, and then joined using high temperature brazing.
This modular production of turbine blades offers significant potential for other components as well. It would make it possible to connect cast and SLM-made parts, leaving just the complex or variable parts to be produced using SLM. At the same time, it would also facilitate the production of parts with difficult geometries that are currently too large for the SLM process.