Institute of Particle Physics and Accelerator Technologies
Show menu
Institute of Particle Physics and Accelerator Technologies

Additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing

RTU Researcher Andris Ratkus at Fraunhofer IWS Institute, 2014 
Photo: Riga Technical University

Additive manufacturing technology and its applications steadily grew from the niche product to the multipurpose manufacturing solution, which today is being applied in many fields of mechanical engineering and machine building technologies. In particular, laser cladding proved its high efficiency, precision and economic benefits in repair sectors of aerospace, automotive and ship repair industries. This technology is very flexible and well suited for multi-material micro and macro in-situ repairs. Additive manufacturing equipment, tools and technical solutions are getting more and more compact, precise, productive and versatile.

Therefore, this is of special interest for FCC and eventual in-situ repairs of its structures and elements within the future tunnel itself. Additionally, the in-situ additive manufacturing and laser cladding with moderate R&D effort could be applied in already existing robotized service and surveillance systems of LHC tunnel.

Additive manufacturing:

  • RTU already has valuable expertise in the field;
  • Multipurpose manufacturing solution;
  • Laser cladding – precise 3D build-up technology:
    • Creation of almost any geometry from a large variety of materials;
    • Perfect technology for in-situ repairs;
    • Already proven as reliable technique for workshop repairs;
    • Precision 100 µm to 2 mm thickness;
  • Technology to be investigated for in situ repairs for FCC;
  • Can be applied in already existing robotized service and surveillance systems of LHC tunnel with moderate R&D effort.

More information