Additive Manufacturing Center Dresden (AMCD)

At the Additive Manufacturing Center Dresden (AMCD), which is operated by Fraunhofer IWS and TU Dresden as a joint competence center, the researchers develop multiprocess material and manufacturing solutions for innovative products in order to realize applications in aerospace, energy and medical technology, tooling and mechanical engineering as well as automotive engineering.

With AGENT-3D, the experts at AMCD are also coordinating one of the largest European research projects on additive manufacturing. Together with 120 network partners, this rapidly growing technology field is being pushed forward into an industrially mature production process.

In a rapidly developing high-tech sector, the AMCD offers an ideal networking platform for both industry as well as university-based fundamental and application-oriented research. In cooperation with industry and research partners, the aim is to eliminate existing process restrictions and to define and create a framework for standardization, process reliability and quality assurance.

The research activities of the AMCD focus on product and industry specific process chains, from component design and the actual manufacturing process to post-treatment and post-processing steps as well as repair and recycling. The testing and characterization of additively manufactured materials and components is also among the center's core competencies.

The focus is on the aerospace, automotive, energy technology, tool and mold making, and medical engineering sectors. The comprehensive process range includes laser cladding with both powder and wire, selective laser beam melting, electron beam melting and 3D printing. Furthermore, the scientists at AMCD develop materials, processes, system technology, sensor technology and online process diagnostics.

Materials and AM Surfaces

• Adjusted material systems of additively manufactured components
• Multi-material components
• Materials along the process chain
• Surface technology and heat treatment up to the refinement of components
• Extensive knowledge in the field of destructive and non-destructive testing methods

Component Design

• Topology optimization
• Load-oriented design of additively manufactured structures and components
• Multi-material design
• Functional integration, functionalization of components along the process chain

Process Diversity

• Powder bed processes
• Sinter-based processes
• Binder jetting and fused filament fabrication (FFF)
• Electron beam melting (PBF-EB)
• Laser beam melting (PBF-LB)
• Consideration of the overall value chain

Process Monitoring and Process Digitalization

• Online monitoring systems for monitoring process parameters
• Predictive maintenance
• Condition monitoring
• AI-based methods
• Data correlation and digital twin
• Networking of different process steps