Imagine a 3D printer for metal that doesn't just use a simple dot of light, but can change the shape of its laser beam to fit the part it's making. It's like switching from a thin marker to a wide paintbrush depending on the area being colored. To make sure everything is perfect, it uses a smart camera system that catches mistakes in real-time so you don't waste expensive materials.
Metal 3D printing is currently too slow, expensive, and wasteful for mainstream use. Standard laser beams lack the flexibility to optimize for different materials and shapes, leading to high scrap rates and energy inefficiency.
An AI-enhanced optical beam shaping module and a multi-spectral in-line monitoring system for real-time process control in metal 3D printing.
If you are an aircraft component manufacturer dealing with high scrap rates and slow production of complex parts — this project developed an AI-enhanced beam shaping and monitoring system that can reduce scrap by 30% and increase build rates by 7 times.
If you are a satellite hardware developer dealing with the need for super-materials and extreme precision — this project developed a first-time-right printing process that lowers energy use by 60% while maintaining high precision.
If you are a turbine producer dealing with high cost-per-part economics in metal 3D printing — this project developed a flexible laser beam adaptation module that targets a cost reduction of over 50%.
The project targets a cost reduction of over 50% compared to current best-in-class metal powder bed fusion processes.
Yes, the objective is to make the process keep pace with traditional manufacturing methods like die casting in terms of large-scale production volumes and cost-per-part economics.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not provided, but the project involves a consortium of 11 partners including 6 industrial entities.
The system uses AI-based beam shaping to enable energy-efficient profiles, targeting a 60% reduction in energy use.
The project runs from June 1, 2022, to May 31, 2025, moving through specification, development, integration, and demonstration phases.
The consortium is heavily industry-weighted with 55% industrial partners (6 companies), including 4 SMEs. This balance suggests a strong focus on commercial viability and practical application, with 8 countries involved to ensure a broad European market reach across high-tech sectors.
Contact the Technical University of Munich (TUM) for technical specifications.
Contact us to connect with the InShaPe consortium for licensing or pilot integration.
