Rainer Horstkotte

Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Rainer Horstkotte is a researcher focused on advancing the automation and industrialization of additive manufacturing, particularly Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF). His work addresses critical challenges in integrating L-PBF into broader production workflows, emphasizing the development of handling system concepts for additive process chains. By designing automated solutions for post-processing and material handling, Horstkotte’s research bridges the gap between the high complexity of metal additive components and the efficiency demands of industrial manufacturing. His most-cited paper, "Development of handling system concepts for additive process chains with Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF)" (2021), has garnered 3 citations, reflecting its niche but foundational contribution to the field. This work is notable for proposing systematic approaches to automate the transition from printing to finishing, reducing manual intervention and enhancing scalability. Horstkotte’s contributions are particularly valuable for researchers and engineers seeking to transition L-PBF from prototyping to high-volume production, making him a key figure in the practical evolution of additive manufacturing technologies.