Adaxis
LEAM Thermal Control Simulation in AdaOne
Thermal control is a critical challenge in large-format extrusion additive manufacturing, particularly when processing high-temperature thermoplastics where interlayer diffusion and bonding are strongly dependent on the local thermal history.
The DEMEX system developed by LEAM Technologies provides localized, controlled energy input at the deposition zone, enabling better management of the thermal field during extrusion. This improves interlayer bonding, stabilizes deposition conditions and supports the processing of high-performance thermoplastics at large scale.
Such thermal control is especially valuable in large-format applications, including the manufacturing of large aerospace tooling, deposition on existing structures, and repair or refurbishment operations where bonding to previously consolidated material is required.
Within AdaOne, the complete manufacturing setup, including the DEMEX thermal control system, can be visualized and simulated directly along the toolpath, enabling a more accurate representation of the process environment and more predictive process planning.
This work builds on an R&D case led by NLR – Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre, exploring Directed Energy Material Extrusion for large-scale aerospace moulds, in collaboration with Airtech Advanced Materials Group and LEAM Technologies GmbH, with support from NXTGEN Hightech.
