Shape characterization of additively manufactured glass structures

Abstract

Additive manufacturing of glass using laser deposition (Directed Energy Deposition, DED) represents a promising approach for producing complex, three-dimensional structures that are difficult to achieve using conventional subtractive methods. In this process, a glass rod is melted by continuous CO2 laser radiation in the continuous-wave (cw) mode at temperatures of up to 2000°C and deposited layer by layer. While the production of individual layers is achieved with process stability, significant challenges arise during multi-layer fabrication, particularly in the form of deviations between target and actual geometry as well as insufficient surface quality due to cumulative height errors. To address these challenges, the measurement of component geometry is of central importance. Advances in optical 3D measurement technology, particularly in the field of thermal sensing, enable highly dynamic and precise measurement of even transparent structures. These form the basis for improving reproducibility and component quality in the additive manufacturing process of glass.