Additive manufacturing in plastics processing Lecture and exercise

Additive manufacturing, 3D printing and rapid prototyping are highly topical issues with the potential to revolutionize production technology. These technologies have now reached a level where they can supplement or even replace traditional production processes in many areas. It is therefore essential that engineers have comprehensive knowledge of additive manufacturing, its possibilities and limitations.

Contents of the lecture

The lecture offers a comprehensive insight into additive manufacturing and is divided into two consecutive parts. In the first part, the various additive manufacturing processes are systematically presented. These include extrusion processes, polymerising processes, laser-based processes and indirect processes. The principles of operation, the plant technology, the processes and the materials used are explained. The aim of this section is to evaluate the processes on the basis of various criteria,

compare them with conventional manufacturing processes and assign specific application scenarios. Not only will the additive manufacturing of plastic components be covered, but it will also be shown how additively manufactured metallic components, for example in injection mould elements, are used to process plastics. The second part of the lecture focuses on the special aspects of materials technology, process-oriented component design and product development with prototypes. In addition, current areas of application and business models, industrialization and automation potentials as well as future research requirements and the development of suitable materials are discussed. The lecture sheds light on the actual possibilities and limitations of additive manufacturing processes and provides the necessary knowledge to be able to deal with the topic in a well-founded and reflective manner.