Fraunhofer IWU specializes in printing filigree structures such as medical implants. Particular focus is on stents, small tubular lattice structures used, for example, to keep blood vessels open in the heart or brain. By using superelastic shape memory alloys, these stents can be compressed during insertion and expanded when the target site is reached, making stent deployment more minimally invasive. This approach reduces the need for complex incision techniques required by conventional manufacturing methods.
Collaboration with the Technical University of Dresden has led to improved exposure strategies in the LPBF process, further enhancing the quality of printed stents. These advances make it possible to efficiently produce customized stents for individual patient needs.
LPBF technology also offers exciting opportunities in the field of heat exchangers. These devices, essential for heat transfer from one medium to another, can be produced by additive manufacturing in optimized designs that ensure high efficiency. Here, thin-walled structures that would be difficult to realize in traditional manufacturing processes can be printed with ease. Particularly in applications with high temperatures, the LPBF method shows its strengths through the use of resistant materials.
Another highlight is the development of printed aluminum wheel carriers for the EDAG CityBot, an innovative robotic vehicle. In collaboration with Fraunhofer IWU and Constellium, an efficient process chain was developed for this key component, which is both resilient and cost-efficient thanks to LPBF.
3D printing, especially through the LPBF process, is transforming numerous industries. From medical applications to mobility, the possibilities of this technology are yet to be fully realized and exploited. It is an exciting time for those at the forefront of this technological change.
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