Feasibility Study on Additive Manufacturing of Copper Windings using Electron Beam Melting

Abstract: Within the framework of this thesis, the electron beam melting of pure copper for the purpose of producing electrical windings was examined. The conventional manufacturing process of copper windings was investigated, and the potential advantages offered by the design freedom inherent in the electron beam melting process were explored. A comprehensive parameter study was conducted to optimize the existing production parameters for the electron beam melting of pure copper, with a specific focus on achieving the desired material properties suitable for electric motor windings. Moreover, according to additive manufacturing possibilities, conceptual winding models were developed and subsequently were fabricated in a laboratory setting using electron beam melting. The investigation revealed a notable correlation between the achievable wall thickness and the focus offset. A focused electron beam, which was achieved with a focus offset of 17 mA, allowed for the production of thinner walls with reduced surface roughness. Additionally, the study highlighted that the density of the manufactured parts decreased as the hatch offset increased, particularly posing a more critical impact on smaller cross-sectional areas than larger ones. Furthermore, implementing a double-scanned contour for the hatch contributed to diminishing roughness while simultaneously increasing the maximum density to 99.6 %. Influencing the electrical conductivity of printed copper samples through heat treatment was successfully demonstrated, resulting in a conductivity of 91.7% ± 1.8% IACS post-heat treatment.