India’s IIT Jodhpur develop laser-based DED AM machine
June 22, 2022
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur have developed a laser-based Direct Energy Deposition (DED) metal Additive Manufacturing machine for use across a range of industries including aerospace, defence, automotive, oil and gas, and general engineering.
The project’s main objective was to reduce the cost of Additive Manufacturing machines and attract a broader range of users. It was stated that the high machine costs and price of proprietary metal powders imported from abroad are some of the reasons for the limited growth of metal AM in India.
All the components of the new machine, except for the laser and robot systems, are said to be designed and manufactured in India. It can also build AM parts with metal powders made in India, the researchers said.
The new machine is suitable for repairing and adding additional material to existing components. The team at IIT Jodhpur has developed this machine’s tool path planning software and coaxial nozzle. It also has in-situ monitoring technologies which constantly monitor the melt pool temperature and clad thickness during the additive manufacturing process.
“Our study results show that if all the parts needed to make a metal printing machine could be manufactured indigenously, the cost of a metal 3D printing machine could be reduced by two to three times,” stated Dr Ravi K R, Associate Professor, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, IIT Jodhpur.
“Moreover, such an initiative would further strengthen the policy decisions of the Government of India under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative,” Ravi added.
