Eberhard Abele, Hanns A. Stoffregen, Klaus Klimkeit, Holger Hoche and Matthias Oechsner
This paper aims to develop a set of process parameters tailored for lattice structures and test them against standard process (SP) parameters. Selective laser melting (SLM) is a…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a set of process parameters tailored for lattice structures and test them against standard process (SP) parameters. Selective laser melting (SLM) is a commonly known and established additive manufacturing technique and is a key technology in generating intricately shaped lattice structures. However, SP parameters used in this technology have building time and accuracy disadvantages for structures with a low area-to-perimeter ratio, such as thin struts.
Design/methodology/approach
In this research work, body-centred cubic structure specimens are manufactured using adapted process parameters. Central to the adapted process parameters is the positioning of the laser beam, the scan strategy and the linear energy density. The specimens are analysed with X-ray micro-computed tomography for dimensional accuracy. The final assessment is a comparison between specimens manufactured using adapted process parameters and those using SP parameters.
Findings
Standard parameters for lattice structures lead to a significant shift from the nominal geometry. An extensive manufacturing and computation time due to several exposure patterns (e.g. pre-contours, post-contours) was observed. The tailored process parameters developed had good dimensional accuracy, reproducible results and improved manufacturing performance.
Research limitations/implications
The results are based on a distinctive geometry of the lattice structure and a specific material. Future research should be extended to other geometries and materials.
Practical implications
Optimisation of process parameters for the part geometry is a critical factor in improving dimensional accuracy and performance of SLM processes.
Originality/value
This study demonstrates how application-tailored process parameters can lead to superior performance and improved dimensional accuracy. The results can be transferred to other lattice structure designs and materials.
Details
Keywords
Robyn King, April L. Wright, David Smith, Alex Chaudhuri and Leah Thompson
We bring together the institutional theory literature on institutional logics and the information systems (IS) literature that conceptualizes a relational view of affordances to…
Abstract
We bring together the institutional theory literature on institutional logics and the information systems (IS) literature that conceptualizes a relational view of affordances to explore the digital changes unfolding in the delivery of professional services. Through a qualitative inductive study of the development of an app led by a clinician manager in an Australian hospital, we investigate how multiple institutional logics shape the design of affordances when an organization develops new digital technologies for frontline professional work. Our findings show how a billing function was designed into the app by the development team over four episodes to afford potential physician users with billing usability, billing acceptability, billing authority and billing discretion. These affordances emerged as different elements of professional, state, managerial and market logics became activated, interpreted, evaluated, negotiated and designed into the digital technology through the team’s interactions with the clinician manager, a hybrid professional, during the app development process. Our findings contribute new insight to the affordance-based logics perspective by deepening understanding of the process through which multiple institutional logics play out in the design of affordances of digital technology. We also highlight the role of hybrid professionals in this digital transformation of frontline professional work.