Jodhpur: Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur researchers have indigenously developed a Metal 3D printer based on the Direct Energy Deposition (DED) technology. All the components of this Metal 3D printer, except the laser and robot systems, are designed and manufactured in India. The project's main objective is to reduce the cost of Metal 3D printers and attract a broader range of users.

Despite the fact that Metal 3D printing technology started a few years after the launch of Polymer 3D printing, it is yet to experience the tremendous growth that the polymer 3D industry has achieved, especially in India. The high price of the product and the more expensive proprietary metal powders imported from abroad are some of the reasons for the limited growth of metal 3D printers.

The printer developed is suitable for repairing and adding additional material to existing components. Hence, it is ideal for printing fully functional parts for a range of industries, like Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, Oil and Gas, and General Engineering, to name a few.

This machine can print 3D parts with metal powders made in India. In addition, India's first state-of-the-art variable spot size laser optics without compromising on laser beam homogeneity for laser cladding and additive manufacturing process is available in this machine. The team at IIT Jodhpur has developed this machine's tool path planning software and coaxial nozzle. It also has in-situ monitoring technologies which constantly monitor the melt pool temperature and clad thickness during the additive manufacturing process.

The research team from IIT Jodhpur involved in this project are Dr. Ravi K. R., Associate Professor, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Dr.V. Narayanan, Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Dr. Abir Bhattacharyya, Assistant Professor, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Dr. Sumit Kalra, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Dr. Rahul Chhibber, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Dr. Hardik Kothadia, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering.

The project has been funded by the Technology Development & Transfer (TDT) Division, Department of Science & Technology (DST). Other academic and industrial collaborating partners are PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, PSG Industrial Institute, Coimbatore and VectraForm Engineering Solutions, Coimbatore.

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