@article{GradNadammalSchultheissetal., author = {Grad, Marius and Nadammal, Naresh and Schultheiss, Ulrich and Lulla, Philipp and Noster, Ulf}, title = {An Integrative Experimental Approach to Design Optimization and Removal Strategies of Supporting Structures Used during L-PBF of SS316L Aortic Stents}, series = {Applied Sciences}, volume = {11}, journal = {Applied Sciences}, number = {19}, publisher = {MPDL}, doi = {10.3390/app11199176}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-25612}, pages = {1 -- 22}, abstract = {One of the fundamental challenges in L-PBF of filigree geometries, such as aortic stents used in biomedical applications, is the requirement for a robust yet easily removable support structure that allows each component to be successfully fabricated without distortion. To solve this challenge, an integrative experimental approach was attempted in the present study by identifying an optimal support structure design and an optimized support removal strategy for this design. The specimens were manufactured using four different support structure designs based on the geometry exposed to the laser beam during the L-PBF. Support removal procedures included sand blasting (SB), glass bead blasting (GB), and electrochemical polishing (ECP). The two best-performing designs (line and cross) were chosen due to shorter lead times and lower material consumption. As an additional factor that indicates a stable design, the breaking load requirement to remove the support structures was determined. A modified line support with a 145° included angle was shown to be the best support structure design in terms of breaking load, material consumption, and manufacturing time. All three procedures were used to ensure residue-free support removal for this modified line support design, with ECP proving to be the most effective.}, language = {en} } @article{GradZentgrafSchultheissetal., author = {Grad, Marius and Zentgraf, Jan and Schultheiss, Ulrich and Esper, Lukas and Diemar, Andreas and Noster, Ulf and Spiess, Lothar}, title = {Effect of Carbon Content on the Phase Composition, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the TiC Layer Formed in Hot-Pressed Titanium-Steel Composites}, series = {Metals}, volume = {14}, journal = {Metals}, number = {9}, publisher = {MDPI AG}, issn = {2075-4701}, doi = {10.3390/met14090959}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-74617}, abstract = {During the hot pressing of pure titanium and different carbon steels in a temperature range of ϑ = 950-1050 °C, a compound layer up to dL≈10 μm thick is formed at the titanium-steel interface. With a higher carbon content of the used steel, the layer thickness increases. The carbon concentration within the layer is in the range of stoichiometry for TiC. Apart from TiC, no other phases can be detected by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements inside the formed layer. The calculation of the activation energy for the TiC layer formation is Q = 126.5-136.7 kJ mol-1 and is independent of the carbon content of the steel. The resulting microstructure has a grain size gradient, wherein the mechanical properties, such as hardness and Young's modulus, are almost constant. Statistical analysis using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) indicates that the carbon content of the steel has the most significant influence on layer thickness, followed by annealing temperature and annealing time. By selecting the appropriate carbon steel and the subsequent removal of the steel, it is possible to produce targeted TiC layers on titanium substrates, which holds enormous potential for this material in wear-intensive applications.}, language = {en} } @article{ZentgrafNuetzelMuehlbaueretal., author = {Zentgraf, Jan and N{\"u}tzel, Florian and M{\"u}hlbauer, Nico and Schultheiss, Ulrich and Grad, Marius and Schratzenstaller, Thomas}, title = {Surface Treatment of Additively Manufactured Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) by Centrifugal Disc Finishing Process: Identification of the Key Parameters}, series = {Polymers}, volume = {16}, journal = {Polymers}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2073-4360}, doi = {10.3390/polym16162348}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-73959}, abstract = {Polyetheretherketone is a promising material for implants due to its good mechanical properties and excellent biocompatibility. Its accessibility to a wide range of applications is facilitated by the ability to process it with an easy-to-use manufacturing process such as fused filament fabrication. The elimination of disadvantages associated with the manufacturing process, such as a poor surface quality, is a main challenge to deal with. As part of the mass finishing process, centrifugal disc finishing has demonstrated good results in surface optimization, making it a promising candidate for the post-processing of additively manufactured parts. The objective of this study is to identify the key parameters of the centrifugal disc finishing process on the waviness of additively manufactured PEEK specimens, which has not been investigated previously. The waviness of the specimen was investigated by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), while weight loss was additionally tracked. Six parameters were investigated: type, amount and speed of media, use of compound, amount of water and time. Type of media, time and speed were found to significantly influence waviness reduction and weight loss. Surface electron microscopy images demonstrated the additional effects of deburring and corner rounding. Results on previous studies with specimens made of metal showed similar results. Further investigation is required to optimize waviness reduction and polish parts in a second post-processing step.}, language = {en} } @article{BartschBurgerGradetal., author = {Bartsch, Alexander and Burger, Moritz and Grad, Marius and Esper, Lukas and Schultheiß, Ulrich and Noster, Ulf and Schratzenstaller, Thomas}, title = {Enhancement of laser cut edge quality of ultra-thin titanium grade 2 sheets by applying an in-process approach using modulated Yb:YAG continuous wave fiber laser}, series = {Discover Mechanical Engineering}, journal = {Discover Mechanical Engineering}, number = {10}, publisher = {Springer}, doi = {10.1007/s44245-023-00018-3}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-65647}, pages = {9}, abstract = {Titanium is used in many areas due to its excellent mechanical, biological and corrosion-resistant properties. Implants often have thin and filigree structures, providing an ideal application for fine cutting with laser. In the literature, the main focus is primarily on investigating and optimizing the parameters for titanium sheets with thicknesses greater than 1 mm. Hence, in this study, the basic manufacturing parameters of laser power, cutting speed and laser pulse of a 200 W modulated fiber laser are investigated for 0.15 mm thick grade 2 titanium sheets. A reproducible, continuous cut could be achieved using 90 W laser-power and 2 mm/s cutting-speed. Pulse pause variations between 85 and 335 μs in 50 μs steps and a fixed pulse width of 50 μs show that a minimum kerf width of 23.4 μm, as well as a minimum cut edge roughness Rz of 3.59 μm, is achieved at the lowest pulse pause duration. An increase in roughness towards the laser exit side, independent of the laser pulse pause duration, was found and discussed. The results provide initial process parameters for cutting thin titanium sheets and thus provide the basis for further investigations, such as the influence of cutting gas pressure and composition on the cut edge.}, language = {en} } @unpublished{GradHaagHahnetal., author = {Grad, Marius and Haag, Lydia and Hahn, Konstantin and Schultheiß, Ulrich and Esper, Lukas and Noster, Ulf}, title = {Influence of carbon content on the formation of TiC at diffusion bonded titanium-steel interface}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.2139/ssrn.4261928}, abstract = {Hot pressing of pure Ti and various carbon steels in a temperature range of 950 - 1050 °C creates an up to 9 μm thick compound layer of TiC at the Ti/ steel interface. The calculation of the activation energy for layer formation is 126.5 - 136.7 kJ/mol, independent of the steels carbon content. As the carbon content of the steel increases, the layer thickness also increases, which provides enormous potential for the surface modification of Ti/ Ti-alloys.}, language = {en} } @unpublished{BurgerBartschGradetal., author = {Burger, Moritz and Bartsch, Alexander and Grad, Marius and Esper, Lukas and Schultheiß, Ulrich and Noster, Ulf and Schratzenstaller, Thomas}, title = {Enhancement of laser cut edge quality of ultra-thin titanium grade 2 sheets by applying in-process approach using modulated Yb:YAG continuous wave fibre laser}, doi = {10.21203/rs.3.rs-2520041/v1}, abstract = {Titanium is used in many areas due to its excellent mechanical, biological and corrosion-resistant properties. Implants often have thin and filigree structures, providing an ideal application for laser fine cutting. In literature, the main focus is primarily on investigating and optimizing the parameters for titanium sheet thicknesses greater than 1 mm. Hence, in this study, the basic manufacturing parameters of laser power, cutting speed and laser pulsing of a 200 W modulated fibre laser are investigated for 0.15 mm thick titanium grade 2 sheets. A reproducible, continuous cut could be achieved using 90 W laserpower and 2 cutting-speed. Pulse pause variations between 85-335 μs in 50 μs steps and fixed pulse duration of 50 μs show that a minimum kerf width of 23.4 μm, as well as a minimum cut edge roughness Rz of 3.59 μm, is achieved at the lowest pulse pause. An increase in roughness towards the laser exit side, independent of the laser pulse pause, was found and discussed. The results provide initial process parameters for cutting thin titanium sheets and thus provide the basis for further investigations, such as the influence of cutting gas pressure and composition on the cut edge.}, language = {en} } @article{GradSchultheissDiemaretal., author = {Grad, Marius and Schultheiß, Ulrich and Diemar, Andreas and Spieß, Lothar and Noster, Ulf}, title = {Preparation methodology for the microstructural characterization of diffusion layers in a titanium/steel composite}, series = {Practical Metallography}, volume = {61}, journal = {Practical Metallography}, number = {12}, publisher = {Walter de Gruyter GmbH}, issn = {2195-8599}, doi = {10.1515/pm-2024-0087}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-78346}, pages = {938 -- 946}, abstract = {Hot pressing of titanium and carbon steel leads to the formation of a diffusion layer at the interface. Depending on the carbon content of the steel used, it either exclusively contains TiC or additional other phases. In the case of steel with a medium carbon concentration (0.67 wt.\% C), a pure TiC layer forms. A preparation methodology was developed to make statements about functional and microstructural properties of the respective layers such as layer thickness, porosity, or grain size. However, apart from the diffusion layer's microstructure, it also reveals the microstructure of the two base substrates. A comparison based on electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) examinations yields similar results in terms of microstructure. A micrograph analysis based on the new preparation methodology also allows confirming the element distribution measurement by glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES). The methodology therefore provides a way of quickly and reliably controlling the layer formation during the hot pressing process of titanium and carbon steel.}, language = {en} } @article{EsperSchultheissGradetal., author = {Esper, Lukas and Schultheiss, Ulrich and Grad, Marius and Noster, Ulf and Bund, Andreas}, title = {Application of the Hull Cell for Identifying Electropolishing Parameters to Adjust Surface Morphology in Additive Manufacturing}, series = {ECS Advances}, volume = {4}, journal = {ECS Advances}, number = {4}, publisher = {The Electrochemical Society}, issn = {2754-2734}, doi = {10.1149/2754-2734/ae184f}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-86295}, pages = {9}, abstract = {Additively processed materials are increasingly used to manufacture customized parts, e.g. medical implants. Implant surfaces often require a smooth finish, which can be achieved by post-processing and well-defined process parameters. In this study, the effects of electropolishing of metal parts produced by laser powder bed fusion are investigated using Hull cell experiments and a three-electrode setup. Current density voltage curves were measured with the three-electrode setup to identify the regimes for electropolishing. Subsequently different constant-currents were applied and Hull cell experiments were conducted. The surface roughness (Sz, Sa) and the mass removal were analysed. Surface morphologies were assessed using laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy. A reduction of the initial surface roughness of more than 90\% to Sa \< 0.3 μm has been achieved. Considering the passed electrical charge during electropolishing, results from Hull cell experiments are systematically correlated with current-controlled electropolishing. This approach enables the precise tailoring of polishing parameters to achieve surfaces with defined roughness. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the suitability of Hull cells in determining electropolishing parameters for additive materials and highlights their contribution to post-processing in additive manufacturing.}, language = {en} }