Application:

Metal laser melting: this melting process generates components layer by layer, using 3D CAD data.

Task:

Cooling of the laser head of the fiber laser of one of the largest laser melting facilities (up to 160l construction volume) for the patternless production of large functional components or prototypes. The laser melting facility applies 2 fiber lasers, each with a 1,000 W output.

Area:

global

Requirements:

The technical task to be solved was to plan and produce a chiller, which could cover the cooling output of 2 lasers at a high control accuracy and allow for the global utilization with any application. The laser melting facility and the chiller should be provided to the end customer as a plug-and-play solution, with customer-specific water connections for the laser and optic circuits as well as the monitoring of the flow-rate measurement for the optic circuits as part of the design. Further requirements included an Anybus gateway communication interface for Modbus as well as the use of refrigeration components with UL approval.

Device/Solution:

The solution developed by KKT chillers is a water-cooled vBoxX 12, designed as a plug-in chiller, which can be inserted into the laser melting facility via telescopic rails. Thanks to a speed-controlled compressor, the cooling output adapts automatically to the load profile of the laser melting facility within a range of max. 12 kW, with a control accuracy of +/-1 K. The back of the vBoxX 12 is equipped with a connection panel for water and electrical connections. The solution features a dual-frequency design (50/60 Hz) suitable for utilization worldwide.

End Product:

Aerospace:
Functional parts with sophisticated geometries and defined aero-dynamic or fluid-dynamic properties can be manufactured very quickly and cost-efficiently using the powerful laser melting machines from Concept Laser. They include fuel systems, guide blades and rotor blades, attachment systems and special heat protection components. Parts for engines and turbines, rocket elements, test vehicles and high-quality components for equipping the cabin and cockpit (interior) are other typical applications.

Automotive:
The generative metal laser melting process can be used to produce engine components, bodywork and structural parts as well as direct components for use inside vehicles precisely, economically and quickly.

Commissioning:

After the technical testing of the entire system (laser melting machines and chiller) at the customer’s plant the start-up follows by trained service technicians at the end consumer’s plant.

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