From Academia to Industry: Advancing 3D Printing with SEAM Technology Through SALIENT Project
Niclas Pohl during his secondment at 1A Technologies
To achieve close collaboration with industry partners and the wider scientific community, the SALIENT project facilitates work secondments that allow researchers and professionals to undertake in-depth placements at other organisations, including companies and universities.
This time, Niclas Pohl, a student at Fraunhofer IWU, completed a 6-month secondment at 1A Technologies as part of his postgraduate thesis in Mechanical Engineering.
Nicla’s work was focused on advancing Screw Extrusion Additive Manufacturing (SEAM) technology by integrating continuous fiber reinforcement to improve the structural strength and capabilities of 3D-printed components. During his time at 1A Technologies, Niclas was actively involved in multiple aspects of the project, including:
Conducting a detailed literature survey about continuous fibre reinforcement of 3D printed structures
Designing and setting up experimental frameworks
Running a series of tests and experiments
Mechanical design work
Programming microcontrollers for enhanced functionality
Through these activities, Niclas developed a comprehensive testing framework to explore fiber reinforcement's feasibility and practical applications in 3D printing. He gained hands-on experience that combined hardware development with microcontroller programming and experimental design, further enhancing his expertise in SEAM technology. At the same time, Fraunhofer IWU benefited from the knowledge and new perspectives Niclas brought back with him.
Niclas’s secondment showcases the collaborative spirit within SALIENT and how much we can achieve through knowledge-sharing and getting hands-on in different environments, driving meaningful progress in the automotive field.
Author: Fraunhofer IWU