Autor: Thomas Bergs

The data generated in the design and manufacture of tools and dies is rarely used in a targeted manner. However, it contains a significant wealth of knowledge that can be used to predict important parameters. For example, the metadata generated during the CAM programming of die-sinking electrodes can be used to extract parameters suitable to predict the subsequent erosion duration. A major hurdle in making data usable is their heterogeneity in number, format and employed terminology. This article presents a structured method for integrating heterogeneous data and making them queryable via a uniform interface. Its added value is demonstrated by means of a use case from die-sinking EDM.

The manufacturing share of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) increases in industrial application, but still many process steps are manually operated. Additionally, it is not possible to achieve tight dimensional tolerances or low surface roughness. Hence, a process chain has to be set up to combine additive manufacturing (AM) with further machining technologies. To achieve a continuous workpiece flow as basis for further industrialization of L-PBF, the article presents a novel substrate system and its application on L-PBF machines and post-processing. The substrate system consists of a zero-point clamping system and a matrix-like interface of contact pins to be substantially connected to the workpiece within the L-PBF process.