Measured Data Alignments for Monitoring Metal Additive Manufacturing Processes Using Laser Powder Bed Fusion Methods

Author(s):  
Shaw C. Feng ◽  
Yan Lu ◽  
Albert T. Jones

Abstract The number and types of measurement devices used for monitoring and controlling Laser-Based Powder Bed Fusion of Metals (PBF-LB/M) processes and inspecting the resulting AM metal parts have increased rapidly in recent years. The variety of the data collected by such devices has increased, and the veracity of the data has decreased simultaneously. Each measurement device generates data in a unique coordinate system and in a unique data type. Data alignment, however, is required before 1) monitoring and controlling PBF-LB/M processes, 2) predicting the material properties of the final part, and 3) qualifying the resulting AM parts can be done. Aligned means all data must be transformed into a single coordinate system. In this paper, we describe a new, general data-alignment procedure and an example based on PBF-LB/M processes. The specific data objects used in this example include in-situ photogrammetry, thermography, ex-situ X-ray computed tomography (XCT), coordinate metrology, and computer-aided design (CAD) models. We propose a data-alignment procedure to align the data from melt pool images, scan paths, layer images, XCT three-dimensional (3D) model, coordinate measurements, and the 3D CAD model.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 145
Author(s):  
Nenad Bojcetic ◽  
Filip Valjak ◽  
Dragan Zezelj ◽  
Tomislav Martinec

The article describes an attempt to address the automatized evaluation of student three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) models. The driving idea was conceptualized under the restraints of the COVID pandemic, driven by the problem of evaluating a large number of student 3D CAD models. The described computer solution can be implemented using any CAD computer application that supports customization. Test cases showed that the proposed solution was valid and could be used to evaluate many students’ 3D CAD models. The computer solution can also be used to help students to better understand how to create a 3D CAD model, thereby complying with the requirements of particular teachers.


Author(s):  
Cong Hong Phong Nguyen ◽  
Young Choi

The lightweight representation of three-dimensional computer-aided design (3D CAD) models has drawn much attention from researchers as its usefulness in collaborative product development is vast. Existing approaches are mostly based on feature depression or mesh-based simplification. In this article, a new approach for 3D CAD lightweight representation based on combining triangular mesh representation and boundary representation (B-rep) is proposed. The corresponding data structure as well as the conversion method from original data given in B-rep was developed. Considered as an essential application in collaborative product development, a case study on the visualization process of large-scale assembly models represented in the proposed lightweight representation was also conducted. The validation of the approach was performed via experiments with 3D CAD models in SAT format and by benchmarking with the conventional all-faceted approach with the same level of mesh resolution.


2009 ◽  
Vol 131 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramsey F. Hamade

This research aims to explore some of the underlying reasoning for why some individuals acquire mechanical computer-aided design (CAD) skills with relative ease while some others seem to falter. A methodical study was performed by monitoring 74 mechanical engineering seniors (over a 3 year period) in a semester-long formal training on a commercial three-dimensional (3D) CAD package (PRO/ENGINEER, version WILDFIRE). The study methodically explored the trainees’ (1) technical background, (2) personality attributes, and (3) learning preferences. Investigating the technical background included quantifying the trainees’ following technical foundations: basic math, advanced math, CAD-related math, computer science and engineering, methodologies related to CAD, graphics, and mechanical design. Determining the trainees’ personality attributes included exploring their willingness-to-learn CAD, perception, gauging their actual behavior (practice), and CAD syntax learned throughout the training. Trainees’ learning preferences were determined according to the index of learning styles (ILS). Furthermore, and in order to assess the trainees’ progress in CAD knowledge acquisition, competency tests were conducted at four intervals throughout the semester-long study. The assessment involved hands-on modeling of CAD test parts of comparable complexity. At the conclusion of the study, statistical methods were used to correlate the trainees’ attributes with their monitored performance. Only a fraction (17 out of a class of 74 trainees or 1 in 4) of the trainees were found to fit the “star CAD trainee” mold, which is defined here as someone who is fast on the tube and perceptive enough to see through the procedure of building progressively more sophisticated CAD models. A profile of the star CAD trainee character emerges as an individual who is technically competent, perceptive, and motivated. The study also reveals these most desirable trainees to possess an active, sensor, visual, and sequential learning style.


Author(s):  
Soonjo Kwon ◽  
Byung Chul Kim ◽  
Duhwan Mun ◽  
Soonhung Han

The required level of detail (LOD) of a three-dimensional computer-aided design (3D CAD) model differs according to its purpose. It is therefore important that users are able to simplify a highly complex 3D CAD model and create a low-complexity one. The simplification of a 3D CAD model requires the application of a simplification operation and evaluation metrics for the geometric elements of the 3D CAD model. The evaluation metrics are used to select those elements that should be removed. The simplification operation removes selected elements in order to simplify the 3D CAD model. In this paper, we propose the graph-based simplification of feature-based 3D CAD models using a method that preserves connectivity. First, new evaluation metrics that consider the discrimination priority among several simplification criteria are proposed. Second, a graph-based refined simplification operation that prevents the separation of a feature-based 3D CAD model into multiple volumes is proposed. Finally, we verify the proposed method by implementing a prototype system and performing simplification experiments using feature-based 3D CAD models.


Inventions ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 30
Author(s):  
Giampiero Donnici ◽  
Leonardo Frizziero ◽  
Alfredo Liverani ◽  
Giulio Buscaroli ◽  
Luna Raimondo ◽  
...  

In this work, a structured design method, the Stylistic Design Engineering (SDE), is applied for the construction of a new minivan car, in particular a new city car, which we will call FIAT 600 Omega. The SDE, or Stylistic Design Engineering, is a structured engineering method for carrying out automotive design projects. The SDE method consists of six different phases: (1) Analysis of stylistic trends; (2) Sketches; (3) 2D Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings; (4) 3D CAD models; (5) Rendering; (6) Solid stylistic model (also called style maquette). This project deals with the external redesign of the Fiat 600 multiple, a small minivan which was very successful in the 1950s and 1960s. SDE is a methodology consisting of various technologies and design methodologies that will be further explained in detail, such as the Pininfarina method, the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method, Benchmarking (BM), and Top Flop Analysis (TPA). The work was organized according to the different phases. Initially, the Fiat style was studied, in particular the style of the FIAT 600 MULTI PURPOUSE VEHICLE (MPV). This step is essential to better understand the characteristics of the brand and also the main characteristics carried out over the decades. Then we moved on to the freehand sketching phase, based on what we learned in the previous phase of the study. When a satisfactory shape was found for the new car, by analyzing and discarding the different proposals of the various types of style, we proceeded to the evaluation of the proportions and dimensions through two-dimensional drawings and finally we obtained the three-dimensional shape of the new car thanks to 3D CAD software and rendering software. Many advantages in the industrial world SDE takes together with its development. In fact, until the early 2000s, car design and styling was considered quite a craft activity, not a technical or scientific one, mostly based on the great capability of famous car designers and masters, just like Giugiaro, Zagato, Bertone, Pininfarina, Stephenson, Bangle, etc. Then, thanks to the industrial activity of Eng. Lorenzo Ramacciotti, former CEO of Pininfarina Spa and Mechanical Engineer, and also thanks to the academic studies developed at ALMA MATER STUDIORUM University of Bologna, SDE became the object of attention, because it is able to systematize the car design process and reduce costs. With SDE, a good design research or an industrial product development team can complete a car design project, also without the presence of a mentor. Car Design Process finally becomes with SDE a scientific method; Car Design becomes with SDE an industrial method. Industrial needs are nice products made in a short time; SDE is structured to attend these issues. Industrial challenges follow innovation, in shape and functionality; SDE is able to recognize innovation. Industrial benefits can be reached with SDE, ensuring beautiful aesthetic projects are realized systematically and with low costs.


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 803-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mert Gürgen ◽  
Cenk Eryılmaz ◽  
Vasfi Emre Ömürlü

This article describes a sophisticated determination and presentation of a workspace volume for a delta robot, with consideration of its kinematic behavior. With the help of theoretical equations, optimization is performed with the aid of the stiffness and dexterity analysis. Theoretical substructure is coded in Matlab and three-dimensional (3D) data for delta robot are developed in computer-aided design (CAD) environment. In later stages of the project, both 3D and theoretical data are linked together and thus, with the changing design parameter of the robot itself, the Solidworks CAD output adapts and regenerates output with a new set of parameters. To achieve an optimum workspace volume with predefined parameters, a different set of robot parameters are iterated through design optimization in Matlab, and the delta robot design is finalized and illustrated in the 3D CAD environment, Solidworks. This study provides a technical solution to accomplish a generic delta robot with optimized workspace volume.


2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 869-877 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel B. Dadi ◽  
Timothy R.B. Taylor ◽  
Paul M. Goodrum ◽  
William F. Maloney

Engineering information delivery can be a source of inefficient communication of design, leading to construction rework and lower worker morale. Due to errors, omissions, and misinterpretations, there remains a great opportunity to improve the traditional documentation of engineering information that craft professionals use to complete their work. Historically, physical three dimensional (3D) models built by hand provided 3D physical representations of the project to assist in sequencing, visualization, and planning of critical construction activities. This practice has greatly diminished since the adoption of 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling technologies. Recently, additive manufacturing (a.k.a. 3D printing) technologies have allowed for three dimensional printing of 3D CAD models. A cognitive experiment was established to measure the effectiveness of 2D drawings, a 3D computer model, and a 3D printed model in delivering engineering information to an end-user are scientifically measured. The 3D printed model outperformed the 2D drawings and 3D computer interface in productivity measures. This paper’s primary contribution to the body of knowledge is identification of how different mediums of engineering information influence the performance of a simple task execution.


Author(s):  
Deepesh Khandelwal ◽  
T. Kesavadas

Abstract Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) techniques in recent years have shown tremendous promise in reducing the design time of products. This technique enables designers to get three-dimensional physical prototypes from 3D CAD models. Although SFF has gained popularity, the manufacturing time and cost have limited its use to small and medium sized parts. In this paper we have proposed a novel concept for rapidly building SFF parts by inserting prefabricated inserts into the fabricated part. A computational algorithm was developed for determining ideal placement of inserts/cores in the CAD model of the part being prototyped using a heuristic optimization technique called Simulated Annealing. This approach will also allow the designers to build multi-material prototypes using the Rapid Prototyping (RP) technique. By using cheaper pre-fabricates instead of costly photopolymers, the production cost of the SFFs can be reduced. Additionally it will also reduce build time, resulting in efficient machine utilization.


Metals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonora Santecchia ◽  
Stefano Spigarelli ◽  
Marcello Cabibbo

Metal additive manufacturing is changing the way in which engineers and designers model the production of three-dimensional (3D) objects, with rapid growth seen in recent years. Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is the most used metal additive manufacturing technique, and it is based on the efficient interaction between a high-energy laser and a metal powder feedstock. To make LPBF more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly, it is of paramount importance to recycle (reuse) the unfused powder from a build job. However, since the laser–powder interaction involves complex physics phenomena and generates by-products which might affect the integrity of the feedstock and the final build part, a better understanding of the overall process should be attained. The present review paper is focused on the clarification of the interaction between laser and metal powder, with a strong focus on its side effects.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1151 ◽  
pp. 3-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonora Santecchia ◽  
Paolo Mengucci ◽  
Andrea Gatto ◽  
Elena Bassoli ◽  
Lucia Denti ◽  
...  

Powder bed fusion (PBF) is an additive manufacturing technique, which allows to build complex functional mechanical parts layer-by-layer, starting from a computer-aided design (CAD) model. PBF is particularly attractive for biomedical applications, where a high degree of individualization is required. In this work, the microstructure of two biomedical alloys, namely Co-Cr-Mo and Ti-6Al-4V, were studied by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques. Hardness and tensile tests were performed on the sintered parts.


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