Using statistically designed experiment to optimize vacuum-assisted post-processing of binder jetted specimens

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 653-663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dejan Movrin ◽  
Ognjan Luzanin ◽  
Vera Guduric

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a vacuum-assisted post-processing method for use in binder jetted technology. The method is based on six key technological parameters and uses standard, commercially available consumables to achieve improvement in tensile strength, as well as the microstructure and porosity of the infiltrated matrix.Design/methodology/approachSix key technological parameters were systematically varied as factors on three levels, using design of experiment, i.e. definitive screening design. Surface response methodology was used to optimize the process and yield optimal tensile strength for the given range of input factors. Thus obtained, the optimized factor settings were used in a set of confirmation runs, where the result of optimization was experimentally confirmed. To confirm improvement in microstructure of the infiltrated matrix, SEM analysis was performed, while the reduction of porosity was analyzed using mercury porosimetry.FindingsThe obtained results indicate that, compared to its conventional counterpart, the proposed, optimized infiltration method yields improvement in tensile strength which is significant from both the statistical and engineering point of view, while reducing porosity by 3.5 times, using only standard consumables. Scanning electron microscopy examination of fractured specimens’ micrographs also revealed significant morphological differences between the conventional and proposed method of post-processing. This primarily reflects in higher surface area under hardened epoxy infiltrate, which contributes to increased load capacity of specimen cross-section.Research limitations/implicationsAt the present stage of development, the most important limitation of the proposed method is the overall size of models which can be accommodated in standard vacuum impregnation units. Although, in this study, the infiltration method did not prove statistically significant, further investigation is required with models of complex geometry, various sizes and mass arrangements, where infiltration would be more challenging and could possibly result in different findings.Practical implicationsThe most important practical implication of this study is the experimentally verified result of optimization, which showed that tensile strength and matrix microstructure can be significantly improved, using just standard consumables.Social implicationsImproved strength contributes to reduction of material consumption, which, in a longer run, can be beneficial for environment protection and sustainable development.Originality/valueBased on literature review, there have been no previous investigations which studied the tensile strength of infiltrated specimens through design of experiment, which involved specimen preheating temperature, level and duration of vacuum treatment of infiltrate mixture and infiltrated specimens and infiltration method.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tristan Schlotthauer ◽  
Jan Nitsche ◽  
Peter Middendorf

Purpose During post-processing of stereolithography photopolymers, the limited penetration depth of ultraviolet (UV) light can lead to inhomogeneous cross-linking. This is a major problem in part design for industrial applications as this creates uncertainty regarding the mechanical load capacity. Therefore, this paper aims to present an experimental method to measure the post-curing depth in stereolithography photopolymers. Design/methodology/approach Printed specimens made from urethane acrylate photopolymers are placed in a protective housing and are exposed on one side to UV light during post-processing. A depth profile of the hardness according to ASTM D2240 Shore D is determined alongside the specimens. UVA,-B and -C spectra are investigated and the dependence on exposure dose and pigmentation is studied. The results are directly linked to the mechanical properties via tensile tests and validated on an automotive trim part. Findings Exposure with a 405 nm light-emitting diode provides the deepest homogenous post-curing depth of 10.5 mm, which depends on the overall exposure dose and pigmentation. If the initially transparent photopolymer is colored with black pigments, post-curing depth is significantly reduced and no homogenous post-curing can be achieved. To obtain comparable mechanical properties by tensile tests, complete cross-linking of the specimen cross-section has to be ensured. Research limitations/implications The spatial resolution of the presented measurement method depends on the indenter size and sample hardness. As a result, the resolution of the used setup is limited in the area close to the edges of the specimen. Originality/value This paper shows that the spatially resolved hardness measurement provides more information on the post-curing influence than the evaluation of global mechanical properties. The presented method can be used to ensure homogenous cross-linking of stereolithography parts.


2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 91-98
Author(s):  
Tuan Dinh Phan ◽  
Binh Thien Nguyen ◽  
Dien Khanh Le ◽  
Phuong Hoang Pham

The paper presents an application the research results previously done by group on the influence of technological parameters to the deformation angle and finish surface quality in order to choose technology parameters for the incremental sheet forming (ISF) process to produce products for the purpose of rapid prototyping or single-batch production, including all steps from design and process 3D CAD model, calculate and select the technological parameters, setting up manufacturing and the stage of post-processing. The samples formed successfully showed high applicability of this technology to practical work, the complex products with the real size can be produced in industries: automotive, motorcycle, civil...


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 831-836
Author(s):  
M. Vykunta Rao ◽  
Srinivasa Rao P. ◽  
B. Surendra Babu

Purpose Vibratory weld conditioning parameters have a great influence on the improvement of mechanical properties of weld connections. The purpose of this paper is to understand the influence of vibratory weld conditioning on the mechanical and microstructural characterization of aluminum 5052 alloy weldments. An attempt is made to understand the effect of the vibratory tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding process parameters on the hardness, ultimate tensile strength and microstructure of Al 5052-H32 alloy weldments. Design/methodology/approach Aluminum 5052 H32 specimens are welded at different combinations of vibromotor voltage inputs and time of vibrations. Voltage input is varied from 50 to 230 V at an interval of 10 V. At each voltage input to the vibromotor, there are three levels of time of vibration, i.e. 80, 90 and 100 s. The vibratory TIG-welded specimens are tested for their mechanical and microstructural properties. Findings The results indicate that the mechanical properties of aluminum alloy weld connections improved by increasing voltage input up to 160 V. Also, it has been observed that by increasing vibromotor voltage input beyond 160 V, mechanical properties were reduced significantly. It is also found that vibration time has less influence on the mechanical properties of weld connections. Improvement in hardness and ultimate tensile strength of vibratory welded joints is 16 and 14%, respectively, when compared without vibration, i.e. normal weld conditions. Average grain size is measured as per ASTM E 112–96. Average grain size is in the case of 0, 120, 160 and 230 is 20.709, 17.99, 16.57 and 20.8086 µm, respectively. Originality/value Novel vibratory TIG welded joints are prepared. Mechanical and micro-structural properties are tested.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 837-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Venkata Suresh Bade ◽  
Srinivasa Rao P. ◽  
Govinda Rao P.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the prominence of mechanical excitations at the time of welding. In the past years, the process of welding technology has expanded its influence in manufacturing. The crucial drawback of conventional welding is prompted by internal stresses and distortions, which is the focal reason for weld defects. These weld defects can be diminished by the process called post-weld heat treatment (PWHT), which consumes more working hours and needs skilled workers. To replace these PWHT processes, mechanical vibrations are introduced during the process of welding to diminish these weld defects. Design/methodology/approach In the current research, the mechanical vibrations are transferred to weld-pool through vibro-motor and DC motor connected to the electrode. As per standards, the tensile test specimens were prepared for welding with different voltages of vibro-motor and DC motor respectively. The weld joints were tested for tensile strength and analyzed the microstructure at the fusion zone. Findings Melt-ability at fusion zone of 1018 mild steel was investigated by the single-stroke intense heat process of fusion welding. It is observed that the mechanical vibrations technique has a profound influence on the enhancement of the fusion zone characteristics and grain structure. The peak value of the tensile strength is observed at 100 s of vibration, 190 V of vibro-motor voltage and 18 V of electrode voltage. The tensile strength of the welded joints with vibrations is increased up to 22.64% when it is compared with conventional welding. The enhancement of the tensile strength of the weld bead was obtained because of the formation of fine grain structure. So, mechanical vibrations are identified as the most convenient method for improving the mild steel alloys weld quality. Originality/value A novel approach called mechanical vibrations during the process of welding is implemented for fusion zone refinement.


2015 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mumin Sahin ◽  
Cenk Misirli ◽  
Dervis Özkan

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine mechanical and metallurgical properties of AlTiN- and TiN-coates high-speed steel (HSS) materials in detail. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, HSS steel parts have been processed through machining and have been coated with AlTiN and TiN on physical vapour deposition workbench at approximately 6,500°C for 4 hours. Tensile strength, fatigue strength, hardness tests for AlTiN- and TiN-coated HSS samples have been performed; moreover, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis and microstructure analysis have been made by scanning electron microscopy. The obtained results have been compared with uncoated HSS components. Findings – It was found that tensile strength of TiAlN- and TiN-coated HSS parts is higher than that of uncoated HSS parts. Highest tensile strength has been obtained from TiN-coated HSS parts. Number of cycles for failure of TiAlN- and TiN-coated HSS parts is higher than that for HSS parts. Particularly TiN-coated HSS parts have the most valuable fatigue results. However, surface roughness of fatigue samples may cause notch effect. For this reason, surface roughness of coated HSS parts is compared with that of uncoated ones. While the average surface roughness (Ra) of the uncoated samples was in the range of 0.40 μm, that of the AlTiN- and TiN-coated samples was in the range of 0.60 and 0.80 μm, respectively. Research limitations/implications – It would be interesting to search different coatings for cutting tools. It could be the good idea for future work to concentrate on wear properties of tool materials. Practical implications – The detailed mechanical and metallurgical results can be used to assess the AlTiN and TiN coating applications in HSS materials. Originality/value – This paper provides information on mechanical and metallurgical behaviour of AlTiN- and TiN-coated HSS materials and offers practical help for researchers and scientists working in the coating area.


2017 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 995-1004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhixiang Song ◽  
Fei Guo ◽  
Ying Liu ◽  
Songtao Hu ◽  
Xiangfeng Liu ◽  
...  

Purpose This paper aims to present the slip/no-slip design in two-dimensional water-lubricated tilting pad thrust bearings (TPTBs) considering the turbulence effect and shifting of pressure centers. Design/methodology/approach A numerical model is established to analyze the slip condition and the effect of turbulence according to a Reynolds number defined in terms of the slip condition. Simulations are carried out for eccentrically and centrally pivoted bearings and the influence of different slip parameters is discussed. Findings A considerable enhancement in load capacity, as well as a reduction in friction, can be achieved by heterogeneous slip/no-slip surface designs for lubricated sliding contacts, especially for near parallel pad configurations. The optimized design largely depends on the pivot position. The load capacity increases by 174 per cent for eccentrically pivoted bearings and 159 per cent for centrally pivoted bearings for a suitable design. When slip zone locates at the middle of the radial direction or close to the inner edge, the performance of the TPTB is better. Research limitations/implications The simplification of slip effect on the turbulence (definition of Reynolds number) can only describe the trend of the increasing turbulence due to slip condition. The accurate turbulence expression considering the boundary slip needs further explorations. Originality/value The shifting of pressure center due to the slip/no-slip design for TPTBs is investigated in this study. The turbulence effect and influence of slip parameters is discussed for large water-lubricated bearings.


2001 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul D. Sawin ◽  
Curtis A. Dickman ◽  
Neil R. Crawford ◽  
M. Stephen Melton ◽  
William D. Bichard ◽  
...  

Object. The use of corticosteroid agents during the healing phase after spinal arthrodesis remains controversial. Although anecdotal opinion suggests that corticosteroids may inhibit bone fusion, such an effect has not been substantiated in clinical trials or laboratory investigations. This study was undertaken to delineate the effect of exogenous corticosteroid administration on bone graft incorporation in an experimental model of posterolateral lumbar fusion. Methods. An established, well-validated model of lumbar intertransverse process spinal fusion in the rabbit was used. Twenty-four adult New Zealand white rabbits underwent L5–6 bilateral posterolateral spinal fusion in which autogenous iliac crest bone graft was used. After surgery, the animals were randomized into two treatment groups: a control group (12 rabbits) that received intramuscular injections of normal saline twice daily and a dexamethasone group (12 rabbits) that received intramuscular dexamethasone (0.05 mg/kg) twice daily. After 42 days, the animals were killed and the integrity of the spinal fusions was assessed by radiography, manual palpation, and biomechanical testing. In seven (58%) of the 12 control rabbits, solid posterolateral fusion was achieved. In no dexamethasone-treated rabbits was successful fusion achieved (p = 0.003). Tensile strength and stiffness of excised spinal segments were significantly lower in dexamethasone-treated animals than in control animals (tensile strength 91.4 ± 30.6 N and 145.3 ± 48.2, respectively, p = 0.004; stiffness 31.4 ± 11.6 and 45.0 ± 15.2 N/mm, respectively, p = 0.02). Conclusions. The corticosteroid agent dexamethasone inhibited bone graft incorporation in a rabbit model of single-level posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion, inducing a significantly higher rate of nonunion, compared with that in saline-treated control animals.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suresh Kumar Arunachalam ◽  
Muthukannan Muthiah ◽  
Kanniga Devi Rangaswamy ◽  
Arunkumar Kadarkarai ◽  
Chithambar Ganesh Arunasankar

Purpose Demand for Geopolymer concrete (GPC) has increased recently because of its many benefits, including being environmentally sustainable, extremely tolerant to high temperature and chemical attacks in more dangerous environments. Like standard concrete, GPC also has low tensile strength and deformation capacity. This paper aims to analyse the utilization of incinerated bio-medical waste ash (IBWA) combined with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) in reinforced GPC beams and columns. Medical waste was produced in the health-care industry, specifically in hospitals and diagnostic laboratories. GGBS is a form of industrial waste generated by steel factories. The best option to address global warming is to reduce the consumption of Portland cement production and promote other types of cement that were not a pollutant to the environment. Therefore, the replacement in ordinary Portland cement construction with GPC is a promising way of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. GPC was produced due to an alkali-activated polymeric reaction between alumina-silicate source materials and unreacted aggregates and other materials. Industrial pollutants such as fly ash and slag were used as raw materials. Design/methodology/approach Laboratory experiments were performed on three different proportions (reinforced cement concrete [RCC], 100% GGBS as an aluminosilicate source material in reinforced geopolymer concrete [GRGPC] and 30% replacement of IBWA as an aluminosilicate source material for GGBS in reinforced geopolymer concrete [IGRGPC]). The cubes and cylinders for these proportions were tested to find their compressive strength and split tensile strength. In addition, beams (deflection factor, ductility factor, flexural strength, degradation of stiffness and toughness index) and columns (load-carrying ability, stress-strain behaviour and load-deflection behaviours) of reinforced geopolymer concrete (RGPC) were studied. Findings As shown by the results, compared to Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) and 100% GGBS based Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete (GRGPC), 30% IBWA and 70% GGBS based Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete (IGRGPC) (30% IBWA–70% GGBS reinforced geo-polymer concrete) cubes, cylinders, beams and columns exhibit high compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, load-carrying ability, ultimate strength, stiffness, ductility and deformation capacity. Originality/value All the results were based on the experiments done in this research. All the result values obtained in this research are higher than the theoretical values.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wasim Barham ◽  
Ammar AL-Maabreh ◽  
Omar Latayfeh

PurposeThe influence of using magnetic water instead of tap water in the mechanical properties of the concrete exposed to elevated temperatures was investigated. Two concrete mixes were used and cast with the same ingredients. Tap water was used in the first mix and magnetic water was used in the second mix. A total of 48 specimens were cast and divided as follows: 16 cylinders for the concrete compressive strength test (8 samples for each mix), 16 cylinders for the splitting tensile strength (8 specimens for each mix) and 16 beams to test the influences of magnetized water on the flexural strength of concrete (8 specimens for each mixture). Specimens were exposed to temperatures of (25 °C, 200 °C, 400 °C and 600 °C). The experimental results showed that magnetic water highly affected the mechanical properties of concrete. Specimens cast and curried out with magnetic water show higher compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength compared to normal water specimens at all temperatures. The relative strength range between the two types of water used was 110–123% for compressive strength and 110–133% for splitting strength. For the center point loading test, the relative flexural strength range was 118–140%. The use of magnetic water in mixing concrete contribute to a more complete hydration process.Design/methodology/approachExperimental study was carried out on two concrete mixes to investigate the effect of magnetic water. Mix#1 used normal water as the mixing water, and Mix#2 used magnetic water instead of normal water. After 28 days, all the samples were taken out of the tank and left to dry for seven days, then they were divided into different groups. Each group was exposed to a different temperature where it was placed in a large oven for two hours. Three different tests were carried out on the samples, these tests were concrete compressive strength, flexural strength and splitting tensile strength.FindingsExposure of concrete to high temperatures had a significant influence on concrete mechanical properties. Specimens prepared using magnetic water showed higher compressive strength at all temperature levels. The use of magnetic water in casting and curing concrete can increase the compressive strength by 23%. Specimens prepared using magnetic water show higher splitting tensile strength at all temperatures up to 33%. The use of magnetic water in casting and curing can strengthen and increase concrete resistance to high temperatures, a significant enhancement in flexural strength at all temperatures was found with a value up to 40%.Originality/valuePrevious research proved the advantages of using magnetic water for improving the mechanical properties of concrete under normal conditions. The potential of using magnetic water in the concrete industry in the future requires conducting extensive research to study the behavior of magnetized concrete under severe conditions to which concrete structures may be subjected to. These days, there are attempts to obtain stronger concrete with high resistance to harsh environmental conditions without adding new costly ingredients to its main mixture. No research has been carried out to investigate the effect of magnetic water on the mechanical properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperature. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of using magnetic water on the mechanical properties of hardened concrete subjected to elevated temperature.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Poornesh ◽  
Shreeranga Bhat ◽  
E.V. Gijo ◽  
Pavana Kumara Bellairu

PurposeThis article aims to study the tensile properties of a functionally graded composite structure with Al–18wt%Si alloy as the matrix material and silicon carbide (SiC) particles as the reinforcing element. More specifically, the study's primary objective is to optimize the composition of the material elements using a robust statistical approach.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, the composite material is fabricated using a combination of stir casting and the centrifugal casting technique. Moreover, the test specimen required to study the tensile strength are prepared according to the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. Eventually, optimal composition to maximize the tensile property of the material is determined using the mixture design approach.FindingsThe investigation results imply that the addition of the SiC plays a crucial role in increasing the tensile strength of the composite. The optical microstructural images of the composite show the adequate distribution of the reinforcing particles with the matrix. The proposed regression model shows better predictability of tensile strength. In addition, the methodology aids in optimizing the mixture component values to maximize the tensile strength of the produced functionally graded composite structure.Originality/valueLittle work has been reported so far where a hypereutectic Al–Si alloy is considered the matrix material to produce the composite structure. The article attempts to make a composite structure by using a combination of stir casting and centrifugal casting. Furthermore, it employs the mixture design to optimize the composition and predict the model of the study, which is one of a kind in the field of material science.


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