About this role
In cooperation with the Chair of Laser Technology (LLT), the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT)—Europe’s leading center for contract research and development in the field of laser technology—is offering the opportunity to write a thesis on the topic: »Making 3D-Printed Metal Parts Smart: Surface Optimization and Electrical Contacting Strategies for Sensor Integration«.
The integration of sensor technology into 3D-printed metal components opens up new possibilities for the manufacture of intelligent components, known as smart parts. By embedding sensor structures directly into a component, parameters such as temperature, strain, and other operating conditions can be monitored at locations that would be difficult or impossible to reach conventionally manufacturing techniques. However, implementing this places high demands on the manufacturing processes. In particular, the surface quality of the metal components and the reliable electrical contact of the printed structures are crucial.
Be part of change
- First, you will familiarize yourself with the state of the art in integrating sensors into metallic 3D-printed components
- Using parametric studies, you will determine the surface quality settings for various metallic materials on given test specimens
- Through experiments, you will identify suitable methods for establishing electrical contacts on printed circuit traces
- Finally, you will characterize and evaluate the resulting surfaces as well as the electrical properties of the contacts in terms of functionality
- You will carefully document your results, evaluate them, and discuss them