A highlight at the booth of the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences (EAH) Jena is the presentation of components made from foamed plastics using Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM). The exhibits on display were created as part of the research project “3D-Foam.”
In the joint project of the working group led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jens Bliedtner (Department of Manufacturing Technology & Automation, www.ag-bliedtner.de) together with the industrial partners Kcd Kunststoffe, Additive und Beratung GmbH and Ditte Eppelin GmbH & Co. KG, the focus is on large-scale additive manufacturing of foamed structures. The goal is resource-efficient production of customized packaging for sensitive products and components in small quantities. Conventional manufacturing involves cutting sheet material and joining the segments layer by layer to form a packaging unit. Additive shaping aims to significantly reduce the waste generated in the conventional process chain. On display are initial three-dimensional components made from various foamed plastics.
At EAH Jena, additive technologies have been a central research focus for many years. In addition to filament- and granulate-based material extrusion (MEX), research also centers on vat photopolymerization and the development of novel processes and methods. Beyond classic materials, glass and ceramics are also processed, or plastics are modified with various additives. The EAH Jena booth presents various exhibits developed in research projects in collaboration with companies, reflecting the research spectrum of the department.
Additive technologies are an integral part of the basic education in all technical degree programs at EAH Jena. The training covers design for additive manufacturing, 3D data preparation, the printing process, as well as post-processing and assembly. Through scientific theses, students have the opportunity to deepen their acquired knowledge and participate in research and development projects. Examples of student work are exhibited at the booth.
For knowledge transfer on additive topics, EAH Jena offers various test environments, demonstration objects, and applications that provide companies with access to current developments and research results as part of transfer projects. One example is the Virtualization Model Factory of the Department of Manufacturing Technology and Automation, which serves as a site within the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Ilmenau. The center supports small and medium-sized enterprises in digitalization and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action as part of the Mittelstand-Digital initiative. A key focus of the Model Factory at EAH Jena is the field of 3D printing. Companies receive vendor-neutral and free support in the form of individual information sessions, presentations of practical application examples, as well as through workshops, technical discussions, and lectures. The booth showcases examples of successful transfer activities and excerpts from the extensive 3D printing sample collection.
