The Chair of Structural and Functional Ceramics (ISFK) has received funding from the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) for the sustainable and innovative production of ceramic components made of aluminum nitride. The project is led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tanja Lube, with Dr.mont. Maximilian Staudacher as the responsible postdoctoral researcher.
The project “3D-MANIA: 3D manufacturing of complex aluminum nitride components” addresses the challenges of processing aluminum nitride (AlN) in additive manufacturing and develops innovative approaches to optimize both the sintering process and component topology. AlN is characterized by high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation, making it particularly relevant in power electronics and thermal management. However, conventional manufacturing is costly and allows only limited geometric complexity. Additive manufacturing, by contrast, enables complex geometries and opens up new functional possibilities.
The goal of the project is to optimize the production of complex AlN components through advanced simulation techniques such as the Finite Element Method (FEM), as well as processes like lithography-based vat photopolymerization (VPP) and multi-material jetting (MMJ). A sintering model specifically tailored to AlN will be developed, enabling precise shaping and an efficient sintering process. In addition, topology optimization will be used to minimize material usage without compromising key mechanical properties such as strength and thermal conductivity.
