Additive manufacturing

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Injection molding is a manufacturing process in which molten material - usually plastic or metal - is injected into a mould or tool under high pressure. This process is mainly used in plastics and metal processing to produce precise and complex components in large quantities. Injection allows detailed shapes to be produced with tight tolerances and consistent quality, which is essential for series production. The technology enables efficient production processes, reduced material waste and quick changeover between different product variants. In industry, injection plays a central role in the production of components for the automotive, electronics, consumer goods and many other sectors. The optimization of the injection process contributes significantly to the competitiveness and innovative capacity of manufacturing companies.

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SLS (laser sintering) is a 3D printing process in which plastic powder materials are fused layer by layer using a laser to produce an object. The special feature of this process is that the complex geometries can be produced without additional support structures, as the unprocessed powder already serves as a support. SLS is particularly suitable for industrial purposes such as advanced prototypes and small series, as the manufactured products are very durable and rich in detail. In most cases, the technology is somewhat more expensive, but makes it possible to achieve high mechanical requirements.

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Subtractive manufacturing refers to a manufacturing process in which material is removed from a blank using various techniques such as turning, milling or drilling to form the desired end product. This process is widely used in the metal, plastics and wood industries. It enables the precise production of complex components with tight tolerances and high surface quality. Subtractive manufacturing is essential for series production, prototyping and customization in manufacturing technology. By using modern CNC machines (computerized numerical control), efficiency and accuracy can be further increased, making companies more competitive.

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A blank is a semi-finished product that is created after the primary machining process and serves as the starting material for further production. In industrial production, the blank forms the basis for various downstream processing steps such as machining, shaping or surface treatment. Blanks can come in different shapes and materials, for example as metal ingots, plastic granules or blocks of wood, depending on the desired end product. The quality and precision of the blank are crucial for the efficiency and accuracy of the subsequent production steps, as they form the basis for the dimensional accuracy and technical properties of the finished product. By using standardized blanks, production processes can be optimized and costs reduced, thereby increasing competitiveness in the manufacturing industry.

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Fluidity describes the ability of a material to deform or flow under certain conditions. In the manufacturing industry, flowability is crucial for processes such as casting, injection molding and extrusion, as it influences the formability and surface quality of the end product. High flowability allows the material to be evenly distributed in complex shapes and reduces the occurrence of defects such as shrinkage cavities or cracks. From an academic point of view, flowability depends on factors such as temperature, viscosity and shear stress. In practice, optimizing flowability is essential to ensure efficient production processes, enable material savings and maximize product quality, which ultimately strengthens a company's competitiveness.