EMUK

 

In this project, architects are working together with mechanical engineers to overcome the typical limitations of the extrusion-based additive manufacturing process LDM (Liquid Deposition Modeling) and to establish a completely new manufacturing process through the resource-saving use of materials.
Due to their persistent plasticity, wet-extruded compounds cannot be printed in every geometry by LDM. Among other things, perforations and material overhangs present great difficulties. Often, a high proportion of support structure - which must be subsequently removed at great expense - is necessary to produce digitally developed components. In this context, the digital manufacturing process LDM of plastic clay masses in industry and construction enables a new look at established and material-related design and shaping. Precise manufacturing processes using digital models are comparatively fast, cost-effective and sustainable. However, material-specific properties and operator influence play a decisive role in their implementation in the material world. The printed component does not correspond to the digital CAD model!
In order to be able to control the classic deformation behavior in the LDM process, the clay matrix is to be supplemented with ferromagnetic particles that can be attracted via a magnetic field. The aim is to develop a ceramic composite material that can be compacted, stabilized and formed in LDM by modifying the equipment and influencing electromagnetic forces. The electromagnetic forming of ceramics allows for the first time the design of overhangs and perforations without support structure and in accordance with the model. The extension of the materials that can be processed to include the typical structural ceramic Al2O3 also promises a wide range of possible industrial applications. Here, electromagnetic deformation immediately after extrusion of a strand can achieve improved bonding of the strands to each other and higher flexural strength. If the hypotheses of this project are confirmed, they would form a promising basis for further interdisciplinary research.

Partner

Department of Visual Arts, RWTH Aachen University

 

Funding

Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and
Research (BMBF) and the Ministry of Culture and Science of the German State of
North Rhine-Westphalia (MKW) under the Excellence Strategy of the Federal
Government and the Länder

Grant number: G:(DE-82)EXS-SF-OPSF647