Technology fusion of metal injection moulding and selective laser melting for the manufacture of complex and multifunctional (hydraulic) components

Selective laser melting (SLM) and metallic injection moulding (MIM) are established processes for the production of high-performance metallic components for small and large series. In the aerospace industry, where very high demands are placed on materials and components, both processes are still considered to be relatively new. In both processes, the conventional titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V can be used in the form of powder. Currently, both technologies are only considered separately. By fusing components of the same type, multifunctional components with a high lightweight construction potential can be produced. In order to generate direct material fusion, the MIM component must be mechanically processed accordingly. In addition, suitable SLM process parameters must be developed in order to ensure both generative construction and high joint strength. To this end, a characterisation of the joining zone and the static joint strength was carried out. Furthermore, pressure test samples were designed and examined both statically and for fatigue strength. Thus, a high static joint strength could be proven. The compression test samples also withstood a fatigue strength of over 1 million cycles.