Compact, low cost Micro-LPBF Platform – Join as Member of a User Committee
Presentation
We propose a multi‑year, publicly funded R&D project to develop a novel Micro Laser Powder Bed Fusion (Micro‑LPBF) machine that uniquely combines sub‑10 µm accuracy with industrially relevant productivity. The project addresses the current gap between ultra‑high‑resolution micro‑manufacturing and productive metal additive manufacturing.
We search for industrial partners (machine builders, machine end-users) who are interested in joining the User Committee to guide the project in bi-annual meetings, have their demo use-cases manufactured and receive valuable insights in the development of this new machine concept.
Who
The idea is proposed by inspire AG, ETH Zurich’s strategic partner for technology transfer in production engineering, in collaboration with the Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory (amlz) at ETH. The consortium brings strong expertise in laser micro-processing, additive manufacturing, process modeling, machine integration, and micro‑scale testing.
Context
Micro‑LPBF is a key enabling technology for metallic micro‑components with feature sizes between 20 to 100 µm, ultra‑thin walls, internal channels, and functional micro‑mechanisms. However, current systems are expensive (>1 MCHF), bulky, slow, and limited mainly to metals, while industry increasingly demands compact, cost‑efficient systems capable of processing metals and ceramics.
Objective
The objective is to develop a compact (<1 m² footprint), affordable (<500 kCHF) Micro‑LPBF machine with <5 µm accuracy, <20 µm wall thickness, layer heights of 5 to 10 µm, and a build speed 50% above industry standard for micro-LPBF . The innovation lies in combining: 1) microscope optics and advanced recoating of ultra‑fine powders for high accuracy & 2) adaptive beam shaping and model‑informed process control for high productivity
How
The project will build on a proven compact LPBF platform and upgrade it through: 1. adaptive beam path and on‑the‑fly spot size control, 2. high‑precision scanners with microscope optics, 3. novel micro‑powder recoating concepts for powders <10 µm, 4. model‑based slicing and power control strategies. Industrial partners are invited either to join the User Committee in a fundamental research project or to participate in a pre‑industrial development phase aimed at market introduction.
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