Additively manufactured components for cryogenic applications
At a glance
Description
Feasibility study for the additive production of components for use at temperatures up to 4°K.
Control and piping systems in cryogenics (sometimes at < 4°K) should have as little mass as possible in order not to slow down possible temperature change processes (cooling/heating up) or to avoid unnecessary additional cooling at constant process states.
Due to the layered structure of the valve housing using additive
manufacturing (selective laser melting (SLM) of stainless steel,
1.4404), a valve housing with very low mass can be manufactured
with an optimum energy balance for use at very low
temperatures.
In addition to compressive strength and tightness, the components
used at very low temperatures have to meet special requirements
with regard to the materials and manufacturing processes used. If
sufficient standardized standards, guidelines and test procedures
for the materials and manufacturing processes used are available
for conventional manufacturing processes, these standards are
largely lacking for selective laser melting. In the VDI, DIN, ASTM
and ISO there are efforts to close this gap.
Starting from the basics of additive manufacturing, the project
will present the advantages of selective laser melting on the basis
of practical examples in the development and manufacture of
components for cryogenics with special consideration of the
necessary traceability (acceptance, standardization, duty of proof)
of the material and process properties