Improved Co-Scheduling of Printing Path Scanning for Collaborative Additive Manufacturing

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhengqian Jiang ◽  
Sean Psulkowski ◽  
Arriana Nwodu ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
Tarik Dickens
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Manufacturing System ◽  
Manufacturing Processes ◽  
Grand Challenge ◽  
Optimal Solutions ◽  
Improved Method ◽  
Fused Filament Fabrication ◽  
Printing Time

Abstract Additive manufacturing processes, especially those based on fused filament fabrication (FFF) mechanism, have relatively low productivity and suffer from production scalability issue. One solution is to adopt a collaborative additive manufacturing system that is equipped with multiple extruders working simultaneously to improve productivity. The collaborative additive manufacturing encounters a grand challenge in the scheduling of printing path scanning by different extruders. If not properly scheduled, the extruders may collide into each other or the structures built by earlier scheduled scanning tasks. However, there existed limited research addressing this problem, in particular, lacking the determination of the scanning direction and the scheduling for sub-path scanning. This paper deals with the challenges by developing an improved method to optimally break the existing printing paths into sub-paths and assign these generated sub-paths to different extruders to obtain the lowest possible makespan. A mathematical model is formulated to characterize the problem, and a hybrid algorithm based on an evolutionary algorithm and a heuristic approach is proposed to determine the optimal solutions. The case study has demonstrated the application of the algorithms and compared the results with the existing research. It has been found that the printing time can be reduced by as much as 41.3% based on the available hardware settings.

Enabler für die personalisierte Produktion*/Automated additive manufacturing processes as enabler for personalized production – A sample application for tailor-made products

2019 ◽  
Vol 109 (03) ◽  
pp. 179-183
Author(s):  
J. Fischer ◽  
P. Springer ◽  
S. Fulga-Beising ◽  
K. Abu El-Qomsan
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Manufacturing System ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Industrie 4.0 ◽  
Manufacturing Processes ◽  
Automated Production ◽  
Sample Application

Das Fraunhofer IPA forscht an Workflows und Methoden für die Herstellung personalisierter Produkte von der Erfassung persönlicher Daten über die Analyse und Modellierung bis hin zur flexiblen, automatisierten Fertigung der Produkte. Der Beitrag beschreibt einen beispielhaften Anwendungsfall: die Herstellung einer personalisierten Brille. Für die nötige Flexibilität in der Fertigung wurde ein vollständig automatisiertes additives Fertigungssystem entwickelt, das im Applikationszentrum Industrie 4.0 des Fraunhofer IPA und des Instituts für Industrielle Fertigung und Fabrikbetrieb IFF der Universität Stuttgart integriert ist.   Fraunhofer IPA examines workflows and methods for the production of personalized products from the acquisition of personal data, analysis and modelling to the flexible, automated production of the products. This paper exemplifies an application using the production of personalized glasses. For this purpose, a fully automated additive manufacturing system was developed to provide the necessary flexibility in manufacturing.

scholarly journals Suitability of Recycled PLA Filament Application in Fused Filament Fabrication Process

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 491-497
Author(s):  
Tomislav Breški ◽  
Lukas Hentschel ◽  
Damir Godec ◽  
Ivica Đuretek
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Polylactic Acid ◽  
Design Of Experiment ◽  
Experimental Approach ◽  
Manufacturing Processes ◽  
Support Structures ◽  
Fused Filament Fabrication ◽  
Layer Height ◽  
Printing Parameters

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is currently one of the most popular additive manufacturing processes due to its simplicity and low running and material costs. Support structures, which are necessary for overhanging surfaces during production, in most cases need to be manually removed and as such, they become waste material. In this paper, experimental approach is utilised in order to assess suitability of recycling support structures into recycled filament for FFF process. Mechanical properties of standardized specimens made from recycled polylactic acid (PLA) filament as well as influence of layer height and infill density on those properties were investigated. Optimal printing parameters for recycled PLA filaments are determined with Design of Experiment methods (DOE).

Variance Quantification of Different Additive Manufacturing Processes for Acoustic Meta Materials

2021 ◽  
Vol 263 (4) ◽  
pp. 2708-2723
Author(s):  
Manuel Bopp ◽  
Arn Joerger ◽  
Matthias Behrendt ◽  
Albert Albers
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Production Process ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Mode Shapes ◽  
Manufacturing Processes ◽  
3D Laser Scanning ◽  
Fused Filament Fabrication ◽  
Manufacturing Techniques ◽  
Different Levels

Many concepts for acoustic meta materials rely on additive manufacturing techniques. Depending on the production process and material of choice, different levels of precision and repeatability can be achieved. In addition, different materials have different mechanical properties, many of which are frequency dependent and cannot easily be measured directly. In this contribution the authors have designed different resonator elements, which have been manufactured utilizing Fused Filament Fabrication with ABSplus and PLA, as well as PolyJet Fabrication with VeroWhitePlus. All structures are computed in FEA to obtain the calculated Eigenfrequencies and mode shapes, with the respective literature values for each material. Furthermore, the dynamic behavior of multiple instances of each structure is measured utilizing a 3D-Laser-Scanning Vibrometer under shaker excitation, to obtain the actual Eigenfrequencies and mode shapes. The results are then analyzed in regards to variance between different print instances, and in regards to accordance between measured and calculated results. Based on previous work and this analysis the parameters of the FEA models are updated to improve the result quality.

Accelerated Geometry Accuracy Optimization of Additive Manufacturing Parts

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir M. Aboutaleb ◽  
Linkan Bian ◽  
Prahalad K. Rao ◽  
Mark A. Tschopp
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Optimization Problem ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Geometric Features ◽  
Simulation Studies ◽  
Fused Filament Fabrication ◽  
Efficient Manner ◽  
Geometric Dimensioning And Tolerancing ◽  
Novel Approach

Despite recent advances in improving mechanical properties of parts fabricated by Additive Manufacturing (AM) systems, optimizing geometry accuracy of AM parts is still a major challenge for pushing this cutting-edge technology into the mainstream. This work proposes a novel approach for improving geometry accuracy of AM parts in a systematic and efficient manner. Initial experimental data show that different part geometric features are not necessary positively correlated. Hence, it may not be possible to optimize them simultaneously. The proposed methodology formulates the geometry accuracy optimization problem as a multi-objective optimization problem. The developed method targeted minimizing deviations within part’s major Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) features (i.e., Flatness, Circularity, Cylindricity, Concentricity and Thickness). First, principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to extract key components within multi-geometric features of parts. Then, experiments are sequentially designed in an accelerated and integrated framework to achieve sets of process parameters resulting in acceptable level of deviations within principal components of multi-geometric features of parts. The efficiency of proposed method is validated using simulation studies coupled with a real world case study for geometry accuracy optimization of parts fabricated by fused filament fabrication (FFF) system. The results show that optimal designs are achieved by fewer numbers of experiments compared with existing methods.

scholarly journals Robotic additive manufacturing system for dynamic build orientations

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 659-667
Author(s):  
Nicholas R. Fry ◽  
Robert C. Richardson ◽  
Jordan H. Boyle
Keyword(s):  
Surface Roughness ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Manufacturing System ◽  
Print Quality ◽  
Orientation Relationships ◽  
Fused Filament Fabrication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Build Orientation

Purpose This paper aims to present a multi-axis additive robot manufacturing system (ARMS) and demonstrate its beneficial capabilities. Design/methodology/approach ARMS was constructed around two robot arms and a fused filament fabrication (FFF) extruder. Quantitative experiments are conducted to investigate the effect of printing at different orientations with respect to gravity, the effect of dynamically changing build orientation with respect to the build tray when printing overhanging features, the effect of printing curved parts using curved, conformal layers. These capabilities are combined to print an integrated demonstrator showing potential practical benefits of the system. Findings Orientation with respect to gravity has no effect on print quality; dynamically changing build orientation allows overhangs up to 90° to be cleanly printed without support structures; printing an arch with conformal layers significantly increases its strength compared to conventional printing. Research limitations/implications The challenge of automatic slicing algorithms has not been addressed for multi-axis printing. It is shown that ARMS could eventually enable printing of fully-functional prototypes with embedded components. Originality/value This work is the first to prove that the surface roughness of an FFF part is independent of print orientation with respect to gravity. The use of two arms creates a novel system with more degrees of freedom than existing multi-axis printers, enabling studies on printing orientation relationships and printing around inserts. It also adds to the emerging body of multi-axis literature by verifying that curved layers improve the strength of an arch which is steeply curved and printed with the nozzle remaining normal to the curvature.

scholarly journals A design for additive manufacturing case study: fingerprint stool on a BigRep ONE

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 1069-1079 ◽  
Author(s):  
James I. Novak ◽  
Jonathon O’Neill
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Design For Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Fused Filament Fabrication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Layer Height ◽  
Design Engineers ◽  
Final Design

Purpose This paper aims to present new qualitative and quantitative data about the recently released “BigRep ONE” 3 D printer led by the design of a one-off customized stool. Design/methodology/approach A design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) framework was adopted, with simulation data iteratively informing the final design. Findings Process parameters can vary manufacturing costs of a stool by over AU$1,000 and vary print time by over 100 h. Following simulation, designers can use the knowledge to inform iteration, with a second variation of the design being approximately 50 per cent cheaper and approximately 50 per cent faster to manufacture. Metrology data reveal a tolerance = 0.342 per cent in overall dimensions, and surface roughness data are presented for a 0.5 mm layer height. Research limitations/implications Led by design, this study did not seek to explore the full gamut of settings available in slicing software, focusing predominantly on nozzle diameter, layer height and number of walls alongside the recommended settings from BigRep. The study reveals numerous areas for future research, including more technical studies. Practical implications When knowledge and techniques from desktop 3 D printing are scaled up to dimensions measuring in meters, new opportunities and challenges are presented for design engineers. Print times and material costs in particular are scaled up significantly, and this study provides numerous considerations for research centers, 3 D printing bureaus and manufacturers considering large-scale fused filament fabrication manufacturing. Originality/value This is the first peer-reviewed study involving the BigRep ONE, and new knowledge is presented about the practical application of the printer through a design-led project. Important relationships between material volume/cost and print time are valuable for early adopters.

scholarly journals Generative Design in the Transmission System of a Skateboard

2021 ◽  
pp. 169-174
Author(s):  
Mikel Iturrate ◽  
Xabier Amezua ◽  
Xabier Garikano ◽  
Jose Antonio Oriozabala ◽  
Iñaki Martin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Transmission System ◽  
The Other ◽  
Manufacturing Processes ◽  
Mass Reduction ◽  
Generative Design ◽  
Current Characteristics ◽  
Solid Edge ◽  
Different Levels

AbstractGenerative design (GD) is a new way of designing products that respond to the current characteristics of the 4.0 industry era. It allows the customization of designs and helps to minimize process times and material quantities. In the case study, two parts of the transmission system of a skateboard have been designed using GD of Solid Edge ST10. The design has been customized for 67 kg users who will use the skateboard for riding and not for jumping or doing tricks. On the other hand, the aim was to minimize the weight and the use of material for its manufacture. Once the initial solid is defined, the software generates specific designs for different levels of mass reduction or product quality. An axle with a mass reduction of 70% from the initial solid and a base with reduction of 60% have been proposed. The GD more than an alternative is a requirement to respond to the demands of the 4.0 industry in which customization and cost reduction are one of the fundamental pillars. This type of design, at the same time, forces to adapt the manufacturing processes so that it is necessary to manufacture in additive manufacturing (AM) machines.

IMPROVED LOG EVALUATION IN A LITHOLOGICALLY COMPLEX, GLAUCONITIC RESERVOIR—A CASE STUDY

1997 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 786
Author(s):  
Y.J. Zhang ◽  
P.A. Lollback ◽  
H.A. Salisch
Keyword(s):  
Well Logs ◽  
Improved Method ◽  
Response Characteristics ◽  
Porosity And Permeability ◽  
Subsequent Elimination ◽  
Variable Content ◽  
Environmental Corrections ◽  
Permeability Evaluation

This paper describes a case study of the application of an improved method of formation evaluation from well logs in a pilot area of the Mardie Greensand reservoirs in the Carnarvon Basin of Western Australia. They are lithologically complex reservoirs with a high and highly variable content of glauconite and extensive micro- porosity. These facts, in addition to the presence of other lithological components, make traditional log analysis, in particular the estimation of log-derived values of permeability, difficult if not impossible. The aim of this project was mainly to determine electrofacies and evaluate porosity and permeability from conventional well logs in this area. The sequential steps in the log evaluation of these glauconite-rich reservoirs were as follows: log quality control (borehole environmental corrections and depth matching); analysis of the log response characteristics; determination of litho- parameters used to identify the electrofacies; identification of the so-called hard streaks and their subsequent elimination for the purpose of reading log responses largely unaffected by these horizons; electrofacies identification and classification; porosity and permeability evaluation. The paper presents examples from several wells in the pilot area of the Mardie Greensand to illustrate this study.

Redesigning a Reaction Control Thruster for Metal-Based Additive Manufacturing: A Case Study in Design for Additive Manufacturing

2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas A. Meisel ◽  
Matthew R. Woods ◽  
Timothy W. Simpson ◽  
Corey J. Dickman
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Attitude Control ◽  
Manufacturing Processes ◽  
Development Effort ◽  
Design For Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Powder Bed ◽  
Subtractive Manufacturing ◽  
End Use ◽  
Manufacturing Time

Prior research has shown that powder-bed fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) can be used to make functional, end-use components from powdered metallic alloys, such as Inconel® 718 superalloy. However, these end-use components and products are often based on designs developed for more traditional subtractive manufacturing processes and do not take advantage of the unique design freedoms afforded by AM. In this paper, we present a case study involving the redesign of NASA’s existing “pencil” thruster used for spacecraft attitude control. The initial pencil thruster was designed for and manufactured using traditional subtractive methods. The main focus in this paper is to (a) identify the need for and use of both opportunistic and restrictive design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) concepts and considerations in redesigning the thruster for fabrication with PBF AM and (b) compare the resulting DfAM thruster with a parallel development effort redesigning the original thruster to be manufactured more effectively using subtractive manufacturing processes. The results from this case study show how developing end-use AM components using specific DfAM guidelines can significantly reduce manufacturing time and costs while enabling new and novel design geometries.

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