SAMBA

The project partners working on SAMBA are developing an efficient and direct diode laser-based beam source for additive manufacturing (AM). Thanks to its compact size, the module should enable the production of more complex components and be less prone to errors due to the absence of optical fibres. From concept to production and demonstration of the modules, the regional cooperation covers the entire value chain. The Ferdinand Braun Institute is developing powerful kilowatt direct diode laser modules with a wavelength of 780 nm to reach the absorption peak of aluminium. Photon Laser Manufacturing (PLM) equips the laser module with a wire feeding unit and the process and monitoring technology. The complete process head is then integrated into a robotic workstation by SKDK and the process is automated. Finally, the system solution and the laser-wire-deposition process will be tested at PLM by producing side wall segments of high-speed trains with significantly reduced weight, as well as material and energy consumption. This demonstrates how the SAMBA module increases AM lightweight construction and therefore the ecologically and socially important energy and resource efficiency.