Thermomechanical simulation of laser wire DED: helical rotor in 316L stainless steel (Moineau™ progressive cavity pump)
Industrial need
Manufacturing a complex helical rotor in 316L stainless steel by directed energy deposition (DED), controlling heat accumulation and dimensional accuracy on a demanding geometry.
IREPA LASER solution
Development of a thermomechanical simulation workflow to compare different interlayer dwell time strategies and anticipate their impact on thermal and mechanical behaviour prior to manufacturing.
Technical challenge
The challenge lies in the thermal management of an elongated helical geometry with hollow or low-mass sections. This configuration limits heat dissipation and increases the risk of local overheating, distortion and dimensional deviations.
Results achieved
The simulation identified an optimum dwell time between layers, reducing experimental iterations and securing a “first-time-right” approach, with better control of the final part quality.
