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Additive Manufacturing
CAD models showing Conflux heat exchanger next to incumbent . Conflux pre-production prototype .
Proof of concept build phase Pulling from Conflux ’ s library of additive manufacturing optimized designs , the design engineers ultimately selected a core base model that has proven successful in other applications and tailored the packaging requirements to fit within the existing space of the incumbent heat exchanger . Multiple elements were configured including form factor , ducts , vanes and outlets to match connections for installation . For example , AMCM requested a larger diameter of the ducts to allow for better flow rates with lesser pressure loss . These and other features were adapted and refined to ensure performance enhancement , practical requirements and specific fit for end use in the final application . Conflux is capable of rapidly designing , manufacturing and delivering a proof-of-concept prototype due to their local manufacturing facility , equipped with several 3d printing machines including the EOS M300 .
Testing The unique demands of the inert gas in this heat exchanger necessitated the strictest levels of cleanliness
Heat exchanger proof of concept being tested on AMCM M 4K machine . throughout the build and post-processing . Conflux ’ s proprietary post-processing techniques , coupled with AS9100D certification , assure customers of the reliability of its heat exchangers . With the prototype build passing Conflux ’ s rigorous internal checks , AMCM conducted their own in-house testing on a production M 4K machine . After passing performance and cleanliness tests , AMCM confirmed a serial production order .
Moving into serial production Conflux provided AMCM with an argon gas heat exchanger that met their requirements and more . 1 . Reduction of argon gas temperature with minimal pressure drop : This feature would enable a host of benefits like improving build time and quality , a key benefit to pushing the performance of the M 4K platform .
2 . 93 % Packaging Volume reduction : Conflux ’ s design reduced the overall package volume by an astounding 93 % while also achieving better performance than the incumbent .
3 . Monolithic build : One of the many benefits of additive manufacturing is the ability to build monolithic products . Conflux achieved a company milestone by successfully building supporting ducts on both ends of the heat exchanger , which kept the piece price of each product within AMCM ’ s target range . For AMCM , it allows for a simplification of installation and maintenance processes , as it plans to roll out the new heat exchangers to M 4K customers around the world . With the serial production order , AMCM will retrofit existing M 4K machines around the world , upgrading its thermal management system and providing its customers with the latest in heat transfer technology . Ulrich Schmid , System Developer at AMCM , said : “ We at AMCM are impressed with the performance of the heat exchanger . It keeps the temperature of the argon gas at a very constant level , which not only increases the quality of the components , but also benefits the overall thermal management and performance of the M4K . The pressure drop was even lower than we expected , which is impressive considering the compact design .”
www . heat-exchanger-world . com Heat Exchanger World September 2024
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