Elodie Paquet, Alain Bernard, Benoit Furet, Sébastien Garnier and Sébastien Le Loch
The purpose of this paper is to present a novel methodology to produce a large boat hull with a foam additive manufacturing (FAM) process. To respond to shipping market needs…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a novel methodology to produce a large boat hull with a foam additive manufacturing (FAM) process. To respond to shipping market needs, this new process is being developed. FAM technology is a conventional three-dimensional (3D) printing process whereby layers are deposited onto a high-pressure head mounted on a six-axis robotic arm. Traditionally, molds and masters are made with computer numerical control (CNC) machining or finished by hand. Handcrafting the molds is obviously time-consuming and labor-intensive, but even CNC machining can be challenging for parts with complex geometries and tight deadlines.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed FAM technology focuses on the masters and molds, that are directly produced by 3D printing. This paper describes an additive manufacturing technology through which the operator can create a large part and its tools using the capacities of this new FAM technology.
Findings
The study shows a comparison carried out between the traditional manufacturing process and the additive manufacturing process, which is illustrated through an industrial case of application in the manufacturing industry. This work details the application of FAM technology to fabricate a 2.5 m boat hull mold and the results show the time and cost savings of FAM in the fabrication of large molds.
Originality/value
Finally, the advantages and drawbacks of the FAM technology are then discussed and novel features such as monitoring system and control to improve the accuracy of partly printed are highlighted.
Details
Keywords
E. Florentin, L. Gallimard, J‐P. Pelle and P. Rougeot
In this paper, we focus on the quality of a 2D elastic finite element analysis.
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper, we focus on the quality of a 2D elastic finite element analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
Our objective is to control the discretization parameters in order to achieve a prescribed local quality level over a dimensioning zone. The method is based on the concept of constitutive relation error.
Findings
The method is illustrated through 2D test examples and shows clearly that in terms of cost, this technique provides an additional benefit compared to previous methods.
Research limitations/implications
The saving would be even more significant if this mesh adaptation technique were applied in three dimensions. Indeed, in 3D problems, the computing cost is vital and, in general, it is this cost that sets the limits.
Practical implications
This tool is directly usable in the design stage.
Originality/value
The new tool developed guarantees a local quality level prescribed by the user.