India’s defense and aerospace manufacturing sectors are experiencing a significant enhancement with the introduction of a Large Area Additive Manufacturing (LAAM) system at the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Hyderabad. This innovative LAAM system, developed through a partnership between IIT Hyderabad, DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), and various industry collaborators, is poised to transform the fabrication of large components, especially in the aerospace and defense fields. By facilitating the large-scale production of metal parts via additive manufacturing, this development opens new avenues for India’s advancement in cutting-edge manufacturing technology.
Key Features
Technological Breakthroughs
- The LAAM System is based on Powder-based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technology, which uses laser and blown-powder techniques to fabricate metal components.
- This system is capable of producing large-sized components—a milestone achievement for India’s additive manufacturing capabilities.
Power Based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) Technology
- The system utilizes Laser and Blown-Powder-based DED technology, where the powder is melted using a high-powered laser and deposited layer by layer to form the desired structure.
- The process is highly accurate and capable of producing complex geometries that are essential in aerospace and defense industries.
Dual Heads for Thermal Balancing and Speed
- A key feature of the LAAM system is its use of dual heads, which are designed for thermal balancing and to increase the deposition speed of the metal components.
- The use of dual heads ensures uniform heat distribution during the printing process, reducing the chances of thermal distortion and enhancing the overall quality of the parts produced.
Large Scale Rocket Components
- The LAAM system has already made a mark by successfully fabricating a component that is 1 meter tall. This milestone is crucial for expanding the potential of additive manufacturing to large-scale aerospace components that previously would have been manufactured using traditional methods.
Significance for India’s Manufacturing and Defense Sectors
- Self-Reliance in Defense Manufacturing
- Fostering Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing
- Growth of Additive Manufacturing in India
- Job Creation and Skill Development
Future Prospects and Expansion
- The successful development of the LAAM System marks just the beginning of a broader vision for the future of additive manufacturing in India. The collaboration between IIT Hyderabad and DRDO will continue to evolve, with plans for:
- Phase II Expansion: The second phase will see the integration of AI and blockchain technologies, enabling better quality control, faster production speeds, and the ability to track and authenticate components with ease.
- Global Leadership: India aims to position itself as a global leader in additive manufacturing, leveraging its growing expertise and capability to produce large-scale metal parts for the aerospace and defense sectors.
