3D printer selection: A decision-making evaluation and ranking model

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the capability of five desktop additive manufacturing (AM) machines based on the ability to produce a standard component. This work also developed a model/method for evaluating and ranking AM technologies based on select criteria that can facilitate purchasing decisions. A standard part was designed and printed on each machine, and evaluated based on dimensional accuracy and surface finish. Additionally, the machines were compared based on build time for single and multiple parts as well as material consumption and unit cost. The research highlights the differences between AM units and suggests a method by which to ascertain the differences. With the rapid proliferation of desktop additive manufacturing units, a quantitative ranking system was developed to rate the units so a comparison can be made. Although the focus of the work was on desktop systems, the approach can be applied across all AM technologies.     

Effect of chemical treatment on tensile strength and surface roughness of 3D-printed ABS using the FDM process

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is one of the most commonly used additive manufacturing processes because of its environment-friendly nature and cost-effectiveness. However, it suffers badly from low surface quality due to a larger layer resolution. The surface finish of FDM parts can be enhanced by post chemical treatment using various solvents. The chemical treatment reduces the surface roughness by dissolving the external surfaces of 3D-printed samples. Chemical treatment is an easy, fast and economical technique. In the present investigation, the effect of chemical treatment on surface roughness and tensile strength of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) parts made using the FDM process is investigated using two chemicals, namely acetone and 1, 2 dichloroethane. The post chemical treatment dramatically improves the surface finish and dimensional accuracy of ABS specimens. But chemical treatment results in the reduction of the tensile strength. Better tensile strength is obtained while using acetone solvent and a better surface finish is obtained using dichloroethane.     

In search for classification and selection of spare parts suitable for additive manufacturing: a literature review

This paper reviews the literature on additive manufacturing (AM) technologies and equipment, and spare parts classification criteria to propose a systematic process for selecting spare parts which are suitable for AM. This systematic process identifies criteria that can be used to select spare parts that are suitable for AM. The review found that there is limited research that addresses identifying processes for spare parts selection for AM, even though companies have identified this to be a key challenge in adopting AM. Seven areas for future research are identified relating to the methodology of spare parts selection for AM, processes for cross-functional integration in selecting spare parts for AM, broadening the spare parts portfolio that is suitable for AM (by considering usage of AM in conjunction with conventional technologies), and potential impact of AM on product modularity and integrality.     

Additive Manufacturing of Porous Structures for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Applications

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have shown promising benefits in many applications. This has been enabled by the emergence of additive manufacturing (AM), which give the designers a large amount of geometrical freedom. In this paper, a novel design process of fused deposition modeling (FDM) combining both topology and infill optimization is introduced for AM of high performance porous structures. Tensile testing of FDM printed samples is first carried out to study the effect of the build orientation on the mechanical properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) samples. It is found that samples built perpendicular to the load axis are the weakest with a tensile strength of 29 MPa and Young's modulus of 1960 MPa. The materials properties are fed to the finite elements analysis (FEA) for geometrical topology optimization, aiming to maximize stiffness and reduce weight of those parts. Afterwards, an infill optimization is carried out on the topology optimized parts using different mesostructures such as honeycomb, triangular, and rectangular to achieve high structural performance. The results showed that triangular pattern with 50% infill density had the lowest developed stresses, less mass, and strain energy when compared to other structures. Optimum UAVs parts of a quadcopter are successfully manufactured, assembled, and tested.

     

Mechanical property characterization and simulation of fused deposition modeling Polycarbonate parts

Building end-use functional parts with additive manufacturing (AM) technologies is a challenging task. Several factors influence their surface finish, dimensional accuracy, mechanical properties and cost. Their orientation inside the building chamber is one of the most significant factors in AM processes. When using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to build such parts, additional factors must be considered.This paper aims to accomplish two purposes: finding a good model to simulate FDM parts and correlating a finite element analysis (FEA) simulation with physical testing.The first objective was achieved by experimental tensile test of specimens to determine the nine mechanical constants that defines the stiffness matrix of an orthotropic material. Three Young’s modulus, three Poisson’s ratio and three shear modulus were experimentally obtained as well as yield tensile and ultimate strength of each specimen.A simple part was designed and manufactured in different orientations to be physically tested and simulated to achieve the second objective. Polycarbonate (PC) was used as part material. Combined loading including bending and torsion was used. Differences on mechanical response were observed during the physical test of the parts depending on the building direction. Conclusions comment results and the convenience of using a different constitutive model depending on the design and use specifications.     

An Additive Manufacturing Spare Parts Inventory Model for an Aviation Use Case

To maintain high service levels and mitigate long lead times, many enterprises hold large spare parts inventories. Using additive manufacturing (AM) for spare parts in aviation has been proposed previously but prior studies did not address system-specific lead time impacts. This article codifies lifecycle variables introduced by AM and presents an aviation case study. The variables highlight the value offered by AM over traditional methods. Specifically, the case study demonstrates that introducing up to 35% of AM parts to the spare parts inventory improves the system replenishment lead time by up to 33%, thus suggesting AM can be used to mitigate challenges related to spare parts management. This work also presents an approach to integrate AM into the spare parts inventory mix.     

Fracture Surface Analysis of 3D-Printed Tensile Specimens of Novel ABS-Based Materials

One of the most common materials utilized by material extrusion 3D printing is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The work presented in this research explored the effect of the addition of reinforcing materials on the mechanical properties of ABS in an effort to create materials with enhanced physical properties. A comparison was made between pure ABS, two ABS matrix composites, and one ABS/elastomer blend with the purpose of characterizing the effect of additives on the mechanical properties. Tensile test results of specimens built in different orientations showed that ABS reinforced with 5% by weight TiO₂ exhibited the highest ultimate tensile strength for specimens built in both horizontal and vertical directions with 32.2 and 18.4 MPa, respectively. The compounding of an elastomeric material with ABS improved the surface finish of parts as they were visibly smoother compared to those printed from the ABS baseline material, though there was an observable decrease in the ductility of tensile specimens. Analysis was performed on the fracture surface of the tensile specimens through the use of scanning electron microscopy. Fractography revealed different modes of failure related to the different additives. The effects of additives on the anisotropy associated with the mechanical properties of 3D-printed parts were also analyzed.     

Performance analysis of a thick copper-electroplated FDM ABS plastic rapid tool EDM electrode

The importance of rapid tooling (RT) and additive manufacturing (AM) appears to be indispensable for boosting the process of manufacturing and expanding the horizon of production technology worldwide. This concept draws the attention of numerous scholars to arrive at a conclusive theory for the widespread utilization of RT. This study attempts to determine the viability and performance of an RT electrode in the field of electro discharge machining (EDM). The electrode prototype is made using an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic by fused deposition modeling (FDM), an AM technique, electroplated with copper of desired thickness, and used in die sinking EDM of D2 steel. The scanning electron microscope analysis of the electroplated samples confirms that it is possible to obtain the desired thickness of the metal by electroplating on any electrically conductive surface. In the present work, an experimental study is performed for examining the electroplated copper thickness of the plastic EDM electrode and its performances. It is found that the electroplated ABS plastic EDM RT electrode successfully performs the machining operation of D2 steel, and the results are comparable with a solid electrode. The study reveals that the RT electrode can be regarded as a viable tool for rough cutting or semi-finishing cut EDM functions. The experimental results are thoroughly discussed, examined, analyzed, and evaluated for the purpose of developing the appropriate form of the concept.The full text can be downloaded at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40436-018-0238-5     

Additive Design and Manufacturing of Jet Engine Parts

The additive design (AD) and additive manufacturing (AM) of jet engine parts will revolutionize the traditional aerospace industry. The unique characteristics of AM, such as gradient materials and micro-structures, have opened up a new direction in jet engine design and manufacturing. Engineers have been liberated from many constraints associated with traditional methodologies and technologies. One of the most significant features of the AM process is that it can ensure the consistency of parts because it starts from point(s), continues to line(s) and layer(s), and ends with the competed part. Collaboration between design and manufacturing is the key to success in fields including aerodynamics, thermodynamics, structural integration, heat transfer, material development, and machining. Engineers must change the way they design a part, as they shift from the traditional method of “subtracting material” to the new method of “adding material” in order to manufacture a part. AD is not the same as designing for AM. A new method and new tools are required to assist with this new way of designing and manufacturing. This paper discusses in detail what is required in AD and AM, and how current problems can be solved.     

Fatigue life prediction of additively manufactured material: Effects of surface roughness,defect size,and shape

In this paper, the effects of process‐induced voids and surface roughness on the fatigue life of an additively manufactured material are investigated using a crack closure‐based fatigue crack growth model. Among different sources of damage under cyclic loadings, fatigue because of cracks originated from voids and surface discontinuities is the most life‐limiting failure mechanism in the parts fabricated via powder‐based metal additive manufacturing (AM). Hence, having the ability to predict the fatigue behaviour of AM materials based on the void features and surface texture would be the first step towards improving the reliability of AM parts. Test results from the literature on Inconel 718 fabricated via a laser powder bed fusion (L‐PBF) method are analysed herein to model the fatigue behaviour based on the crack growth from semicircular/elliptical surface flaws. The fatigue life variations in the specimens with machined and as‐built surface finishes are captured using the characteristics of voids and surface profile, respectively. The results indicate that knowing the statistical range of defect size and shape along with a proper fatigue analysis approach provides the opportunity of predicting the scatter in the fatigue life of AM materials. In addition, maximum valley depth of the surface profile can be used as an appropriate parameter for the fatigue life prediction of AM materials in their as‐built surface condition.     

适于快速成型制造工艺的短纤维增强复合材料研究

对短切玻璃纤维增强ABS 复合材料进行了一系列的改性研究。短切玻纤的加入, 能提高纯ABS 的强度、硬度且显著降低ABS 的收缩率, 减小制品的形变, 但同时使材料变脆。本实验通过适量加入增韧剂和增容剂, 较大提高了挤出的复合材料丝的韧性及力学性能, 从而使制备出的短切玻璃纤维增强复合材料适用于熔融沉积制造(FDM ) 工艺。并用改性了的短切玻璃纤维增强ABS 作为原料, 在快速成型机上制备试样, 测定其力学性能, 从宏观及微观上对改性效果进行了分析与评定。     

Energy and material flow modelling of additive manufacturing processes

Additive manufacturing (AM) processes allow fabrication of three-dimensional complex parts. Due to the exact amount of material used during the manufacturing step, these new manufacturing processes offer great opportunities for sustainable manufacturing. However, existing studies on these processes focus mainly on energy consumption and information about resources consumptions and waste flows are still lacking. This study aims to quantify with accuracy inventory data of AM processes during the manufacturing step of the life cycle of products. In order to accurately assess the environmental impact of a product, a generic method for acquisitions and characterisation of inventory data for parts made by AM processes is proposed. This methodology focuses not only on the electrical energy consumption but also on material consumption. This paper also describes the development of a parametric process model, which provides to an operator, an accurate estimation of the environmental performances of the fused deposition modelling process.     

Simultaneous topology and build orientation optimization for minimization of additive manufacturing cost and time

The ever-present demand for increased performance in mechanical systems, and reduced cost and manufacturing time, has led to the adoption of computational design tools and innovative manufacturing methods. One such tool is topology optimization (TO), which often produces designs that are impracticable to manufacture. However, recent developments in additive manufacturing (AM) have made production of such complex designs feasible. Therefore, integration of these technologies has the potential to innovate the design and manufacture of mechanical components. This work presents a novel mathematical methodology for multiobjective minimization of structural compliance and AM cost and time, in simultaneous build orientation and density-based TO. Component surface area and support volume were implemented in this method as the physical factors influencing AM cost and time. A new methodology was produced to approximate support volume throughout TO with variable build orientation, enabling direct minimization of support volume in the proposed optimization. The methodology allows derivation of sensitivity expressions, thereby permitting the use of efficient gradient-based optimization solvers. Three numerical examples demonstrated that the proposed methodology can efficiently produce optimum build orientations and topologies, which significantly reduce structural compliance and AM cost and time.     

精铸型壳的增材制造技术研究进展

增材制造技术用于精密铸造领域,可以满足市场对精密铸件的短周期、个性化、多样化、柔性制造的需求.增材制造技术可以制作树脂模型代替蜡模进行精密铸造,但更高效的方法是用增材制造技术直接制备精铸型壳.目前可用于制备精铸型壳的增材制造技术主要有三维打印法(3DP)、选择性激光烧结法(SLS)、光固化成形法(SLA)以及浆料挤出法...     

Metal Alloys for Fusion‐Based Additive Manufacturing

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is an innovative manufacturing technique, which builds parts incrementally layer by layer. Thus, metal AM has inherent advantages in part complexity, time, and waste saving. However, due to its complex thermal cycle and rapid solidification during processing, the alloys well suit and commercially used for metal AM today are limited. Therefore, it is important to understand the alloying strategy and current progress with materials performance to consider alloy development for metal AM. This review presents the current range of alloys available for metal AM, including titanium, steel, nickel, aluminum, less common alloys (including Mg alloys, metal matrix composites alloys, and low melting point alloys), and compositionally complex alloys (including bulk metallic glasses and high entropy alloys) with a focus on the relationship between compositions, processing, microstructures, and properties of each alloy system. In addition, some promising alloy systems for metal AM are highlighted. Approaches for designing and optimizing new materials for metal AM have been summarized.

     

Additive manufacturing of copper alloys: influence of process parameters and alloying elements

Owing to the physical properties of copper and its alloys it is challenging to achieve good surface quality and low porosity by the widely used laser-based additive manufacturing processes. This paper deals with the role of alloy composition, powder size and process parameters in additive manufacturing with laser beam melting machine (with power up to 100 W). Test parts were produced in pure copper and CuNiSi(Cr) alloys. The porosity was investigated as a function of different process parameters and powder size ranges. The effects of the alloy physical properties (reflectivity, thermal conductivity, melting range and surface tension) are discussed. Moreover, the effect of thermal treatment on the properties of CuNiSi parts was assessed in conventional two-step heat treatments.     

Modeling thermal and mechanical cancellation of residual stress from hybrid additive manufacturing by laser peening

Additive manufacturing(AM) of metals often results in parts with unfavorable mechanical properties. Laser peening(LP) is a high strain rate mechanical surface treatment that hammers a workpiece and induces favorable mechanical properties. Peening strain hardens a surface and imparts compressive residual stresses improving the mechanical properties of a material. This work investigates the role of LP on layer-by-layer processing of 3 D printed metals using finite element analysis. The objective is to understand temporal and spatial residual stress development after thermal and mechanical cancellation caused by cyclically coupling printing and peening. Results indicate layer peening frequency is a critical process parameter affecting residual stress redistribution and highly interdependent on the heat generated by the printing process. Optimum hybrid process conditions were found to exists that favorably enhance mechanical properties. With this study, hybrid-AM has ushered in the next evolutionary step in AM and has the potential to profoundly change the way high value metal goods are manufactured.     

Water-Repellent Approaches for 3-D Printed Internal Passages

In this work, two different manufacturing approaches are presented that create water-repellency (hydrophobicity and super-hydrophobicity) for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) structures. In particular, this is the first study to render three-dimensional (3-D) printed ABS surfaces with internal flow paths to be superhydrophobic. The first approach uses standard wet-based chemical processing for surface preparation after which a fluorocarbon layer is deposited by dip coating or with vapor deposition. This first approach creates hydrophobic surfaces with roll-off angles of less than 30°. In the second approach, the ABS structures are dip-coated with a commercial rubber coating solution and subsequently surface-modified by reactive ion etching (RIE) with fluorinated gases to render the samples superhydrophobic, with roll-off angles as low as 6°. In order to further enhance their water-repellency, the dip-coating rubber solution is mixed with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) colloidal dispersions to form a nanocomposite layer prior to the RIE process. The PTFE particles induce surface roughness as well as hydrophobicity. The modified surfaces created by the two approaches are further characterized by scanning electron microscopy and water drainage performance. Water drainage (prevention of water retention) is especially important for high thermal efficiency of 3-D printed heat exchangers. However, water-repellency for ABS is also interesting for a broader range of applications that use this material.     

Customised titanium implant fabricated in additive manufacturing for craniomaxillofacial surgery

Customised implants manufacture has always presented difficulties which result in high cost and complex fabrication, mainly due to patients' anatomical differences. The solution has been to produce prostheses with different sizes and use the one that best suits each patient. Additive manufacturing (AM) as a technology from engineering has been providing several advancements in the medical field, particularly as far as fabrication of implants is concerned. The use of additive manufacturing in medicine has added, in an era of development of so many new technologies, the possibility of performing the surgical planning and simulation by using a three-dimensional (3D) physical model, very faithful to the patient's anatomy. AM is a technology that enables the production of models and implants directly from the 3D virtual model (obtained by a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) system, computed tomography or magnetic resonance) facilitating surgical procedures and reducing risks. Furthermore, additive manufacturing has been used to produce implants especially designed for a particular patient, with sizes, shapes and mechanical properties optimised, for areas of medicine such as craniomaxillofacial surgery. This work presents how AM technologies were applied to design and fabricate a biomodel and customised implant for the surgical reconstruction of a large cranial defect. A series of computed tomography data was obtained and software was used to extract the cranial geometry. The protocol presented was used for creation of an anatomic biomodel of the bone defect for the surgical planning and, finally, the design and manufacture of the patient-specific implant.     

Research progress of ceramic matrix composite parts based on additive manufacturing technology

ABSTRACT

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are materials that can be engineered for high-temperature applications in various fields including aerospace, marine, etc. It is very difficult to fabricate CMCs using traditional moulding methods due to their brittleness and high hardness. Additive manufacture (AM) technology, a digital manufacturing technology, provides multiple advantages over traditional manufacturing technologies, such as fabricating geometrically complex parts, mould-free fabrication, short development cycle, etc. In this paper, various AM technologies developed for CMCs are reviewed with emphasis on mechanisms of manufacturing, characteristics of production, and recent research progresses. With the springing up of innovative ideas and pioneering work, AM technology possesses unique forming capabilities in fabricating CMCs, demonstrating strong potentials in the application of CMCs in aerospace and other fields. However, there are still many challenges of CMCs fabricated by AM technologies, i.e. poor mechanical properties and geometric accuracies; lower reinforcement volume fraction than that of traditional manufacturing processes.