Project OPTHERM – Optimization of FLM process by thermodiagnostics

Project title

Optimization of FLM process by thermodiagnostics

(project acronym OPTHERM)

Identification code

BYCZ01-037

Funding provider

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Ministry of Regional Development CZ

Programme

INTERREG Bavaria – Czech Republic 2021-2027

Project coordinator

University of West Bohemia in Pilsen / New Technologies – Research Centre

Project partner

Technical University of Applied Sciences Regensburg

Project start

06/2023

Project end

05/2026

Total project cost

848 852 EUR

Abstract

3D printing has widely established itself in industry, e.g., in prototype construction, and is also successfully used in small series production or in the construction of production equipment. The FLM (Fused Layer Modeling) process especially benefits from a low-cost, flexible, and easy-to-handle system technology, which is especially profitable for SMEs due to an enormous variety of printable materials. However, it is limited by the insufficient mechanical strength of the parts in the printing direction. The reason for this is the low layer adhesion resulting from a reduced temperature in the process zone. For this reason, mechanically stressed functional parts are rarely produced using FLM. This problem is addressed by the Infrared Technologies Laboratory of the UWB in Pilsen and the Laser Materials Processing Laboratory of the OTH Regensburg in the OPTHERM project. With the help of online temperature monitoring and an FEM simulation model, the project team wants to develop an approach to increase component strength. The involvement of companies (especially SMEs) already takes place during the definition of the requirements for the system to be developer and ends in a “Strong enough” campaign, which serves to optimize the component quality on site. Thus, SMEs are enabled to fully exploit the potential of FLM 3D printing and strengthen their competitiveness.

Project aim

The aim of the project is to optimize the conventional FLM 3D printing process using a thermodiagnostic approach. For this purpose, the process temperature is to be measured during printing by a self-developed miniature IR camera and the layer bonding is to be estimated based on this. With the help of the correlation between process parameters, temperature, and mechanical strength, it is possible to make precise statements about the process parameters that are required for optimal welding. This is supported by a process simulation to be developed in the project, which calculates the three-dimensional temperature field during printing. The measurement system and the correlations will also provide the basis for a temperature control system that will guarantee optimum layer welding at all times. This approach is to be qualified in an industrial demonstrator, which, in addition to an educational demonstrator, will be used for technology and innovation transfer within the program region.

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