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SILIOS Technologies takes profit of the developments made during the EU project InShaPe on Laser-Based Additive Manufacturing domain to keep its advance in multispectral sensors against worldwide competition, extend its Multispectral cameras and sensors portfolio and adapt them in order to address other markets.

The two innovation pillars of InShaPe project innovation are combined Flexible adaptation of laser beam shapes with AI-techniques to determine the optimal beam shapes for the target value (e.g., determined by material type) and a Multispectral in-line process monitoring & control system for predictive quality analysis.

Within EU InShaPe project, the target of SILIOS Technologies is to enable the transfer of the multispectral imaging technology to the Laser-Based additive manufacturing domain in collaboration with the other leading Research Institutions and Industrial Partners that constitute this unrivalled consortium. Then, as exploitation tasks, SILIOS Technologies is willing firstly to offer a solution for the specific powder bed-based additive manufacturing of metals application with the developed VIS/NIR and SWIR Multispectral cameras and proposes its solutions at several exhibitions on demanding domains such as Space for instance. Secondly SILIOS Technologies is currently benchmarking these  multispectral sensors in order to define what is to be adapted in terms of spectral bands, spectral resolution, spatial resolution to approach other markets and provide new solutions for them.

About the VIS/NIR cameras specifically made for PBF-LB/M process within EU InShaPe project, we found as target applications whatever processes using tooling Lasers, not only Laser-Based additive manufacturing, but also on metallurgy, nuclear applications for instance where they image molten metal surfaces and look at temperature and emissivity.

Concerning the SWIR cameras, we succeeded during EU InShaPe project in developing an unrivalled Snapshot Synchronous Bayer type SWIR Multispectral camera. Now it has been manufactured in the fall of 2023 to be supplied for implementation in the PBF-LB/M machine at TUM, it was the only SWIR multispectral camera of this type available on the worldwide market. It was proposing a 1.3 Mpix spatial resolution and with 5µm pixel size offering a very low footprint making it easy to integrate in production lines or machines.

Ahead in this technological advance, SILIOS Technologies is looking at other markets and a strong interest has appeared in Defense (Decamouflage, Laser Alert detection applications), Space (Space Domain Awareness, Planet exploration on Rovers applications), Quality control and defect detections in production lines where humidity has to be detected and monitored, Plastic sorting machines (due to last EU rules where a distinction has to be made among the different PETs (not only the different plastics as previously) and others. The high interest in these SWIR multispectral cameras is linked to their extreme versatility (thanks to a capability of spectral bands selections) and to their extremely small footprint and weight, allowing them to be placed on military vehicles, drones, soldiers, SmallSats, production and sorting machines etc.

To conclude, with the EU InShaPe project, SILIOS Technologies worked to remain at the cutting edge of multispectral sensor technology and to strengthen its leadership position in many markets. It reinforces SILIOS as a European player in the worldwide Multispectral Imaging competition. 

Authors : Thierry Berthou, Vincent Sauget, Stéphane Tisserand

The technology developed within the EU project InShaPe enables new, application-optimized processing strategies for the additive manufacturing process Laser-based Powder Bed Fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M). These optimized strategies lead to significant benefits in key performance indicators such as productivity, energy consumption, material usage, and manufacturing costs. This is demonstrated in the following sections through an application demonstrator build job of a heat exchanger. The part geometry was kindly provided by “mu-zero | Hyperloop”. In addition to the heat exchanger, text and “feather” geometries are added to test detail resolution. The whole job layout is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Job layout of the application demonstrator with parameter assignments.

The material used is IN718. The primarily rotationally symmetric application geometry is divided into three segments, each assigned a different process parameter, as described in Table 1, allowing for direct visual comparison of the manufactured parts. The respective build heights of the segments reflect the nominal productivity of each parameter used: in a 30-hour build time, parameter 1 completes 25% of the part, parameter 2 completes 60%, and parameter 3 completes the entire part.

For parameter (3), a combination of a donut and Gaussian beam shape is used. The donut shape, with specific parameter properties, is employed for the bulk infill, while the Gaussian shape is used only for the part’s contour.

The job was built on an InShaPe EOS prototype system with a single laser, which allows for fast switching of the beam shape during the process. The build plate measures 250 x 250 mm², and the job is 180 mm in height.

Table 1: Used process parameters

As two different layer thicknesses, 40 µm and 80 µm, were combined in a single job, recoating occurred in 40 µm steps, with exposure of the 80 µm parameters performed only every second layer. Despite the high power, productivity, and large exposure areas, recoating was very smooth, even at a 40 µm layer thickness—typically an indicator of a stable, high-quality PBF-LB/M process. Figure 2 shows a powder bed image after exposure and after recoating, with a consistently applied powder layer.

Visible in Figure 2 (indicated by the green and orange circles), the productive InShaPe parameter (3) appears to produce fewer spatters than parameters (2) and (1) as can be seen by fewer “black dots” in the image. Spatters created by the laser-material interaction are typically ejected from the process zone, carried by the gas flow, and either fall back onto the powder bed downstream or are transported to the filtration system. For parameter (3), less material appears to be ejected, or the spatter morphology is more efficiently managed by the gas flow.

Figure 2: Powder bed image after exposure (left) and after recoating (right) early in the build job. The numbers indicate the assigned parameters.

The completed build job, shown in Figure 3, displays no obvious defects or visible differences between the three parameters.

Figure 3: The manufactured parts shown from two sides

Figure 4 details the fine detail text, “feather” parts, and upskins of the three parameters. The fine detail parts were manufactured with a Gaussian beam, as they mainly consist of wall thicknesses down to 100 µm, requiring the highest resolution possible. All details were built successfully.

In the three upskin segments, rectangular “windows” into the part reveal areas where no upskin was applied, showing the “raw infill.” As observed, the InShaPe parameter (3) with its donut beam shape appears significantly rougher than the other parameters with a Gaussian beam. Focusing on the upskin, it is evident that a suitable combination of exposure strategies can mask the rougher appearing inskin, achieving an identical surface finish to that of the other 80 µm layer thickness parameter (2).

Figure 4: Fine detail geometries (left) and upskin regions (right)

Figure 5 shows a side- and downskin comparison of the build job. Here, the InShaPe parameter (3) produces the most shiny and homogeneous surface among all parameters. Interestingly, the detail of the cooling channels shows excellent geometric accuracy, even compared to the 40 µm layer thickness parameter (1). For parameter (3), the vertical walls are truly vertical, and the downskin regions are smooth and even, as intended.

Figure 5: Images of the side- and downskin regions and detailed image of the cooling channels.

This demonstrator build job shows that beam shaping and the flexible use of various beam shapes allow for significant advantages:

• Compared to the current state-of-the-art parameter, a nominal build rate increase of approximately 4.6 times was achieved.
• Despite the higher layer thickness and the larger donut beam shape, there is no loss in geometric accuracy; instead, geometric accuracy even appears improved.
• Surface finish for the downskin was best with the InShaPe parameter and mostly unchanged for side- and upskins. The InShaPe parameter generally showed the most homogeneous surface morphology.
• Despite high laser power and build rate, the InShaPe parameter seems to emit fewer spatters than the Gaussian counterparts.
• Small features can be built effectively by switching to the Gaussian beam shape.

As this test primarily focused on the visual comparison of the three parameters, future investigations will also examine the material properties achieved. The analysis of spatter emissions is crucial for reducing material waste and improving the economic footprint of additive manufacturing.

Overall, the current results already look very promising and provide a solid foundation for further benchmarking the application demonstrator against the InShaPe KPIs of productivity, energy consumption, material usage, and manufacturing costs.

Authors: Markus Birg, Fabian Sonnen | EOS

All images: EOS

To demonstrate the impact of the technology developed in the EU project InShaPe, we have four relevant use cases: An impeller, a chainsaw cylinder head, an industrial gas turbine swirler and a primary combustion chamber for rocket engines. Parts such as these are already being manufactured using conventional Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) but there are significant opportunities by introducing state-of-the-art LPBF with beam shaping.   

The four use cases cover 3 different alloy families commonly used in LPBF: Ni-based super alloys, Cu-based and Al-based alloys. For each of the use cases we aim to demonstrate the goals of the project.

InShaPe is aiming for:

Cost of parts produced by AM is still one of the biggest barriers we have to overcome in order to enable more products to unlock their AM potential. Although the technical developments are centered on printing and utilizing beam shaping, the impact on the products affects the whole value chain from selecting materials and designing parts to the required post-processing and how parts or materials are qualified. As an example, if the printing process is more robust and produces less defects, this not only means potentially scrapping fewer parts and allowing for less effort in qualification and quality control.

Figure 1. Impeller   Image: Oerlikon AM

For the impeller we have a complex geometry with internal channels, which are not easily accessible, or in line of sight for post-processing. This poses a critical challenge in printing and achieving a good surface finish. Overhang and down-skin surfaces need to be smooth for best performance of the impeller. The current surface finish requirements are limiting the design freedom of the impeller with the conventional LPBF processing. Another key aspect is managing the residual stresses, which requires a lot of support structure and stock material. Printing this extra material not only increases the print time but also must be removed after the printing. This generates scrap and consumes energy resulting in a higher manufacturing cost.

Figure 2. Engine cylinder head for a hand-held chainsaw   Image: AMEXCI

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a suitable production method for cylinder heads with complex design. Furthermore, in this specific application, where the component is used in a handheld chainsaw, AM provides extraordinary potential for weight reduction, better user experience and overall improved performance. Nonetheless, to fully exploit the potential of laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) for weight reduction, lower manufacturing costs, and higher production rates and volumes are necessary, as required production volumes for this part assent to up to 100.000 units per year. Here, the InShaPe technology could enable significant improvements and expand the use of AM to new use- and business-cases.

Figure 3. Industrial Gas Turbine Swirler   Image: Federico Uriati/BEAMIT

A swirler in industrial gas turbines (IGT) enhances fuel-air mixing and combustion efficiency while reducing emissions. Constructed from high-temperature materials and designed in various configurations, it improves operational flexibility. Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) further refines swirler design by enabling complex geometries and optimized vane shapes, boosting thermal performance and durability. These advancements lead to more efficient, reliable, and emission-reducing swirlers, benefiting power generation and industrial applications

Beamit’s focus in the InShaPe project is on enhancing productivity and achieving specific mechanical properties in the IGT sector. Using IN718, the goal is to increase build rates and maintain continuous machine availability for high productivity and profitability.

Reducing print time is another strategy to cut the manufacturing costs of additive manufacturing (AM) parts. However, increasing productivity in high-performance applications like IGTs must not compromise material properties or printer reliability. This is especially challenging with difficult-to-print materials where only specific microstructures yield crack-free parts. Beyond modifying printers to create shaped beams, the project will explore build file optimization and monitoring to ensure optimal material and process performance. This is crucial as beam shaping introduces additional complexity.

By tackling these challenges, the InShaPe system promises significant reductions in energy consumption, powder use, and engineering hours. This translates to lower production costs, making LPBF-manufactured parts competitive with traditional manufacturing methods.

Figure 4. Combustion chamber   Image: AENIUM

Exposed to temperatures up to 3500 degrees Kelvin, combustion chambers for first-stage thrusters need the right microstructure to balance the performance required of the Cu alloy, which is only processable with AM. These extreme Cu alloys, such as CuCrNb (NASA GRCop42), require precise cooling rates and stable energy density values throughout the printing areas and volume, ensuring temperature control of the melt pool. Due to the high energy required to process the material with lasers, the process is hard to control while consuming a lot of gas and energy, and it is characterized by very low manufacturing efficiency due to the emissivity and thermal conductivity of the alloy during the printing process. The risk of defects and resulting microstructure means the parts need to go through intensive HIP processing after printing.

AENIUM’s main targets are focused on defining new beam parameters and shapes that ensure increased productivity and stable melt pools without spatter, allowing for increased productivity by ensuring the right microstructure and precipitated elements, resulting in stable and homogeneous grain sizes and microstructure properties with the CuCrNb alloy.

By using InShaPe technology, it is demonstrated during the project that this technology is a game changer for achieving high manufacturing efficiency, production ratios, and stable microstructures when compared with standard YLR lasers and the same LPBF processes. By varying from a Gaussian energy profile in the melt pool to a variable crown controlled by an AI beam shape engine, preliminary tests on the material show productivity increases of up to 4.5X and a reduction in intermetallic and microstructure porosity in the Cu alloys, achieving stable grain sizes and outstanding precipitated element growth throughout the melted areas of the part.

By the end of the project, AENIUM aims to achieve up to a 6-7X productivity increase, 99.95% precipitated element regrowth compared with the standard process, and microcracking-free structures in the application of rocket engine chambers for civil use purposes in additive manufacturing for the space sector.

Beam shaping technology and the InShaPe project offers solutions that could be a game changer, not only for these 4 use cases, and therefore we had an open innovation call where interested parties were invited to submit use cases to be investigated with the solutions developed in the project InShaPe.  The fifth use case selected from the open innovation service will be presented in the near future.

Figure 1. OERLIKON/TUM build job preparation and selection and process parameters and beam shape Images: Federico Uriati/BEAMIT

Authors: Federico Uriati (Beamit), Michele Caldarini(Beamit), Robin Prudlik(Oerlikon)

InShaPe, a groundbreaking project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, aims to revolutionize metal additive manufacturing by making it faster, cheaper, and more sustainable. The project brings together a consortium of leading research institutions and industrial partners, including Beamit.

Recently, the Beamit team embarked on a significant research and development phase at the Advanced Manufacturing Campus, where the TUM-Oerlikon Advanced Manufacturing Institute is also located.

The Beamit team focused on selecting and defining the process parameters and laser shapes most suitable for the production of real components with complex geometries. Thanks to the preliminary work carried out by TUM and Oerlikon researchers, a list of parameters guaranteeing a density greater than 99.8% was already available. The challenge was therefore to identify the optimal parameters to apply the technology to components with specific characteristics, such as inclined surfaces, variable thicknesses, and particular printing angles.

Figure 2. Powder bed pictures taken during the print. Images: Federico Uriati/BEAMIT

In collaboration with TUM and Oerlikon researchers, the most promising laser shapes were identified, and several different beam shapes were investigated, including varying ring distributions.

Some print jobs were carried out to test the effectiveness of these parameters on specific sections of a real component, a swirler used in the Oil&Gas industry. The component was sectioned to assess the impact of the different parameters on sections characterized by different geometries.

Figure 3. Depowdering of the build job and images of the first print of sections and coupons. Images: Federico Uriati/BEAMIT

The produced specimens will now be analyzed in Beamit’s laboratories to evaluate the effects of the different laser shapes on metallurgical properties, density, and surface quality. The preliminary results are very promising and it is expected that the implementation of these technologies in industrial production could lead to significant advantages in terms of productivity and savings.

This visit has allowed the Beamit team to deepen their knowledge of the advantages offered by the implementation of beam shaping in metal additive manufacturing. The results obtained are encouraging and pave the way for a future where metal 3D printing will be increasingly efficient, customizable, and sustainable. InShaPe’s overarching goal is to develop a novel first-time-right Powder Bed Fusion Process of Metals using Laser Beam (PBF-LB/M) that is not only more efficient but also significantly reduces waste and energy consumption, contributing to a greener manufacturing landscape.

Upcoming blog posts will present the results of the laboratory tests, providing a comprehensive analysis of the system performance metrics and reliability. Additionally, a discussion of the functionality and key features of the application will be included to highlight the advantages of the technology.

The EU project InShaPe: Green Additive Manufacturing Innovative Beam Shaping and Process Monitoring aims at increasing the speed of laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) metal additive manufacturing (AM), while simultaneously reducing its cost and environmental impact. Three different materials, namely Inconel 718, CuCrNb and AlSi10Mg, have been investigated within the project.

PBF-LB/M is currently considered the most mature method within AM technologies. In this technique, a layer of metal powder of between 30 to 100 µm in thickness is deposited on a build platform and subsequently a laser is used to selectively melt certain areas, according to a digital model. This layer-by-layer process is repeated to produce near- or net shaped components.

The InShaPe beam shaping technology is expected to enhance the productivity of PBF-LB/M and concurrently make the process more adjustable and robust, as it can aid in heat distribution control within the process zone, which broadens the parameter window for material processing. Furthermore, this novel technology holds great potential for microstructural tailoring, so that specific sections of a component are customized using appropriate processing parameters. The beam shape has almost unlimited possibilities, as illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Beam shapes that can be achieved with the InShaPe system. Left: Gaussian beam shape. Right: Donut, Top hat and other novel beam shapes. Image: courtesy of EOS.

Although some beam shapes, e.g., donut, have shown promising results reducing defects and expanding the processing parameters window to produce AlSi10Mg¹, no parameters have been established and optimized for laser powers above 800 W. Furthermore, a systematic evaluation of the effect of beam shapes on both density and productivity for the manufacturing of AlSi10Mg is a crucial step for the future development and optimization of this promising technology.

In February 2024, the initial trials were commenced in a joint effort between AMEXCI AB and EOS GmbH to investigate the effect of different beam shapes on the PBF-LB/M process build rate and porosity for AlSi10Mg. An EOS M 300-4 prototype with an integrated beam shaping system and maximum laser power of 1.3 kW was used.

In total, five distinct designs of experiments (DOEs) were conducted using layer thicknesses of 60 µm, 90 µm and 120 µm. In these DOEs, 10 mm cube specimens were produced using different combinations of beam spot size, hatch distance, laser power, laser speed and beam shapes. The specimens produced in one of the trials is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Left: 10 mm cube specimens produced with 90 µm layer thickness. Right: AMEXCI materials lab used for sample analysis.  Images: Amit Saini/AMEXCI, AMEXCI Materials Lab Newsroom – AMEXCI.

The density of 180+ samples was evaluated using Archimedes principle, as shown in Figure 3. Based on the measured densities and the theoretical build rates, several samples from each layer thickness were selected for further porosity investigations with optical microscopy. The following Figure 3 and Figure 4 showcase how preparation of specimens for optical microscopy evaluation has been conducted at the materials lab.

Figure 3. Density evaluation using Arquimedes principle and samples’ sectioning for optical microscopy investigations. Images: Merve Canalp and Victor Pacheco/AMEXCI.

Figure 4. Preparation of selected specimens for optical microscopy evaluation through grinding and polishing. Images: Merve Canalp/AMEXCI.

The evaluation of selected specimens with optical microscopy has been recently finalized at AMEXCI Material Lab facilities. Based on the results, the next trials will be designed and implemented to establish parameters that provide both dense parts and high productivity in the manufacturing of AlSi10Mg with PBF-LB/M.

The development of parameters with a good balance between density and productivity is an essential step before upscaling and demonstrating the beam shaping technology for AlSi10Mg. This will be done in the future using AMEXCI’s use-case, which consists of a cylinder head for a chain saw. News and updates on the developments of this exciting project will follow in future blog posts. Stay tuned!

¹ Tim Marten Wischeropp, Hussein Tarhini, Claus Emmelmann; Influence of laser beam profile on the selective laser melting process of AlSi10Mg. J. Laser Appl. 1 May 2020; 32 (2): 022059. https://doi.org/10.2351/7.0000100.