Hybrid Additive Manufacturing Technologies - An Analysis Regarding Potentials and Applications

Additionally actual research for the integration of additive manufacturing processes into the production chain will be analyzed. For the long manufacturing time of additive production processes the combination with conventional manufacturing processes like sheet or bulk metal forming seems an effective solution. Especially large volumes can be produced by conventional processes. In an additional production step active elements can be applied by additive manufacturing. This principle is also investigated for tool production to reduce chipping of the high strength material used for forming tools. The aim is the addition of active elements onto a geometrical simple basis by using Laser Metal Deposition. That process allows the utilization of several powder materials during one process what enables the tailoring of the tools materials mechanical properties. Another aspect is the possibility of Laser Alloying of the tools surface to reduce abrasive and adhesive wear. This technique is especially interesting for tools used in hot stamping production.