The so-called generative production technologies have developed more than 15 years ago. Today, these technologies are often subsumed unter the terms "Rapid Manufacturing" or "Rapid Prototyping". Three-dimensional components are constructed layer for layer directly based on CAD-models from shapeless materials. The various Rapid technologies are meanwhile employed in nearly all industrial sectors for the time- and cost-saving production of samples, prototypes and tools or even small series.

 

The Bavarian Laser Centre has been dealing with generative production technologies since the early nineties. The activities in the field of laser sintering centred on laying the foundations for a direct processing of steel powders that are susceptible to oxidation. Another research topic in this area is the qualification of new materials, for example processing of high-performance polymers. Further innovative technologies that are examined at the blz are the so-called Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) and Stereolithography.