Sugavaneswaran M., Prashanthi B. and John Rajan A.
This paper aims to enhance the surface finish of the fused deposition modeling (FDM) part using the vapor smoothening (VS) post-processing method and to study the combined effect…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to enhance the surface finish of the fused deposition modeling (FDM) part using the vapor smoothening (VS) post-processing method and to study the combined effect of FDM and VS process parameters on the quality of the part.
Design/methodology/approach
Analysis of variance method is used to understand the significance of the FDM and VS process parameters. Following this, the optimized parameter for multiple criteria response is reported using the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution. The process parameters alternatives are build orientation angle, build surface normal and exposure time and the criteria are surface roughness and dimensional error percentage.
Findings
The result observed contradicts the result reported on the independent parameter optimization of FDM and VS processes. There is a radical improvement in the surface finish on account of the coating process and an increase in the exposure time results in the decrease of the surface roughness. Minimum surface roughness of 0.11 µm is observed at 1,620 build angle and the least dimensional error of 0.01% is observed at build orientation angle 540. The impact of VS on the up-facing surface is different from the down-facing surface due to the removal of support material burrs and the exposure of the surface to vapor direction.
Originality/value
A study on the multi-criteria decision-making to ascertain the effect of post-processing on FDM component surface normal directed both to downward (build angle 0°–90°) and to upward (build angle 99°–180°) are reported for the first time in this article. The data reported for the post-processed FDM part at the build angle 0°–180° can be used as a guideline for selecting the optimal parameter and for assigning appropriate tolerance in the CAD model.
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Sugavaneswaran M. and Arumaikkannu G.
This paper aims to additive manufacture (AM) the multi-material (MM) structure with directional-specific mechanical properties based on the classical lamination theory of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to additive manufacture (AM) the multi-material (MM) structure with directional-specific mechanical properties based on the classical lamination theory of composite materials.
Design/methodology/approach
The polyjet three-dimensional printing (3DP) process is used to fabricate the MM structure with directional-specific mechanical properties. MMs within a layer are positioned and oriented based on the classical lamination theory to achieve directional-specific properties. Mechanical behavior of the AM structure was examined under various loading conditions to justify the directional-specific properties.
Findings
With MM processing capabilities of the polyjet 3DP machine, AM MM structures with directional-specific mechanical properties were fabricated. From experimentation, it was observed that the AM MM structure with a quasi-isotropic laminate has superior tensile and flexural strength, and the AM MM structure with an angle ply laminate has superior shear strength. Various mechanical properties determined through testing will be useful for the selection of an appropriate layup arrangement within a structure for appropriate loading conditions.
Originality/value
This study presents the innovative methodology for the fabrication of AM MM structures with tailor-made mechanical properties. The developed methodology paves way for using the polyjet 3DP MM structure for applications such as the complaint mechanism, snap fits and thin features, which require directional-specific properties.
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Prithvirajan R., Sugavaneswaran M., Sathishkumar N. and Arumaikkannu G.
Custom-designed metal bellows require alternate ways to produce the die to shorten lead time. The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of using Additive…
Abstract
Purpose
Custom-designed metal bellows require alternate ways to produce the die to shorten lead time. The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of using Additive Manufactured (AM) polymer die as direct rapid tool (RT) for metal bellow hydroforming.
Design/methodology/approach
Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to simulate bellow forming and to evaluate the compatibility of AM die. Fused deposition modelling (FDM) technique is used to fabricate die with Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) material. To validate, the width of the metal bellow convolutions obtained from the FEA simulation is compared with convolution formed during the experiment.
Findings
FDM-made die can be used for a short production run of bellow hydroforming. FEA simulation shows that stress developed in some regions of die is less and these regions have potential for material reduction. Use of RT for this particular application is limited by the die material, forming pressure, width, convolution span and material of bellow. This supports the importance of FEA validation of RT before fabrication to evaluate and redesign die for the successful outcome of the tool.
Research limitations/implications
The given methodology may be followed to design a RT with minimum material consumption for bellow forming application. Whenever there is a change in bellow design or the die material, simulation has to be done to evaluate the capability of the die. As this study was focused on a short production run for manufacturing one or few bellows, the die life is not a significant factor.
Originality/value
This paper demonstrates about rapid tooling for metal bellow manufacturing using FDM technique for low volume production. Further, FEA is used to identify low stress regions and redesign the die for material reduction before die manufacturing. AM die can be used for developing customized metal bellow for applications such as defense, aerospace, automobiles, etc.
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Sunpreet Singh, Narinder Singh, Munish Gupta, Chander Prakash and Rupinder Singh
The purpose of this paper is to fabricate acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)/high impact polystyrene (HIPS) based multi-material geometries using a low cost polymer printer. At…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to fabricate acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)/high impact polystyrene (HIPS) based multi-material geometries using a low cost polymer printer. At the same time, efforts have been made to investigate the mechanical characteristics of the obtained prints and to perform the optimization using the Taguchi-Grey (TGRA) method.
Design/methodology/approach
Initially, the feedstock materials were in-house fabricated in the form of filament wires, workable with fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique, of 1.75 ± 0.1 mm diameter by using a single screw extruder. Multi-material structures were fabricated using variable parameters (such as: raster angles, layer height, fill density and solid layers) and the experimentation was conducted as per Taguchi L18 array. Mechanical responses obtained by performing tensile, impact and bending test were studied in response to input variables and ultimately optimized settings were obtained, for individual as well as multiple parameters). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed to analyze the fractured surfaces.
Findings
The Signal/Noise (S/N) plots for the quality characteristics highlighted that selected input parameters significantly influenced the obtained values for tensile strength, impact strength and flexural strength. Micrographs of the fractured specimens showed the occurrence of brittle fracture with higher levels of perimeter, infill density and solid layers. The extent of delamination was also increased under the bending load and further increased by increasing solid layers.
Practical implications
The results of the study strongly advocated the utility of fabricated multi-materials structures in automotive, aerospace and other manufacturing industries.
Originality/value
This work represents the fabrication, testing and analysis of polymer-based multi-material structures for engineering applications.
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Nagendra Kumar Maurya, Vikas Rastogi and Pushpendra Singh
Nowadays, the PolyJet technique is used to fabricate low volume functional parts in engineering and biomedical applications. However, the mechanical properties of the components…
Abstract
Purpose
Nowadays, the PolyJet technique is used to fabricate low volume functional parts in engineering and biomedical applications. However, the mechanical properties of the components fabricated through this process are inferior in comparison to components fabricated through the traditional manufacturing process. This paper aims to attempt to investigate the influence of process parameters, i.e. raster angle, orientation and type of surface finish on mechanical properties of RGD840 material manufactured by the PolyJet process.
Design/methodology/approach
Initially, this study focuses on experimental evaluation of elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength and percentage elongation of the material. Further detailed experimental study of true stress, true strain, and plastic strain are conducted. Computational analysis of plastic strain is performed by using finite element analysis (FEA) software ABAQUS. The value of strength coefficient (K) and strain hardening coefficient (n) is calculated by using the graphical method from the true stress-plastic strain curve.
Findings
It is observed that 90º raster angle, flat orientation and glossy surface are the best level of process parameters for the tensile strength, true stress and modules of elasticity of the RGD840 material and the obtained value are 27.88, 30.134 and 2891.5 MPa, respectively. The percentage elongation is maximum at 60º raster angle, flat orientation, and matte finish type and the obtained value is 23.38%. The optimum level of process parameters are 90° raster angle, Flat orientation, with Glossy surface finish. SEM analysis of the fracture surface of the tensile test specimen proves that the fracture surface is brittle in nature.
Originality/value
The novelty of this work lies in the fact that no attempts were made to investigate the computational investigation of mechanical properties of RGD840 material.
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Miguel Ángel Caminero, Ana Romero, Jesús Miguel Chacón, Pedro José Núñez, Eustaquio García-Plaza and Gloria Patricia Rodríguez
Fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique using metal filled filaments in combination with debinding and sintering steps can be a cost-effective alternative for laser-based…
Abstract
Purpose
Fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique using metal filled filaments in combination with debinding and sintering steps can be a cost-effective alternative for laser-based powder bed fusion processes. The mechanical behaviour of FFF-metal materials is highly dependent on the processing parameters, filament quality and adjusted post-processing steps. In addition, the microstructural material properties and geometric characteristics are inherent to the manufacturing process. The purpose of this study is to characterize the mechanical and geometric performance of three-dimensional (3-D) printed FFF 316 L metal components manufactured by a low-cost desktop 3-D printer. The debinding and sintering processes are carried out using the BASF catalytic debinding process in combination with the BASF 316LX Ultrafuse filament. Special attention is paid on the effects of build orientation and printing strategy of the FFF-based technology on the tensile and geometric performance of the 3-D printed 316 L metal specimens.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a toolset of experimental analysis techniques [metallography and scanning electron microcope (SEM)] to characterize the effect of microstructure and defects on the material properties under tensile testing. Shrinkage and the resulting porosity of the 3-D printed 316 L stainless steel sintered samples are also analysed. The deformation behaviour is investigated for three different build orientations. The tensile test curves are further correlated with the damage surface using SEM images and metallographic sections to present grain deformation during the loading progress. Mechanical properties are directly compared to other works in the field and similar additive manufacturing (AM) and Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) manufacturing alternatives from the literature.
Findings
It has been shown that the effect of build orientation was of particular significance on the mechanical and geometric performance of FFF-metal 3-D printed samples. In particular, Flat and On-edge samples showed an average increase in tensile performance of 21.7% for the tensile strength, 65.1% for the tensile stiffness and 118.3% for maximum elongation at fracture compared to the Upright samples. Furthermore, it has been able to manufacture near-dense 316 L austenitic stainless steel components using FFF. These properties are comparable to those obtained by other metal conventional processes such as MIM process.
Originality/value
316L austenitic stainless steel components using FFF technology with a porosity lower than 2% were successfully manufactured. The presented study provides more information regarding the dependence of the mechanical, microstructural and geometric properties of FFF 316 L components on the build orientation and printing strategy.
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Jesús Miguel Chacón, Miguel Ángel Caminero, Pedro José Núñez, Eustaquio García-Plaza and Jean Paul Bécar
Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is one of the most popular additive manufacturing (AM) technologies due to its ability to build thermoplastic parts with complex geometries at low…
Abstract
Purpose
Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is one of the most popular additive manufacturing (AM) technologies due to its ability to build thermoplastic parts with complex geometries at low cost. The FFF technique has been mainly used for rapid prototyping owing to the poor mechanical and geometrical properties of pure thermoplastic parts. However, both the development of new fibre-reinforced filaments with improved mechanical properties, and more accurate composite 3D printers have broadened the scope of FFF applications to functional components. FFF is a complex process with a large number of parameters influencing product quality and mechanical properties, and the effects of the combined parameters are usually difficult to evaluate. An array of parameter combinations has been analysed for improving the mechanical performance of thermoplastic parts such as layer thickness, build orientation, raster angle, raster width, air gap, infill density and pattern, fibre volume fraction, fibre layer location, fibre orientation and feed rate. This study aims to assess the effects of nozzle diameter on the mechanical performance and the geometric properties of 3D printed short carbon fibre-reinforced composites processed by the FFF technique.
Design methodology approach
Tensile and three-point bending tests were performed to characterise the mechanical response of the 3D printed composite samples. The dimensional accuracy, the flatness error and surface roughness of the printed specimens were also evaluated. Moreover, manufacturing costs, which are related to printing time, were evaluated. Finally, scanning electron microscopy images of the printed samples were analysed to estimate the porosity as a function of the nozzle diameter and to justify the effect of nozzle diameter on dimensional accuracy and surface roughness.
Findings
The effect of nozzle diameter on the mechanical and geometric quality of 3D printed composite samples was significant. In addition, large nozzle diameters tended to increase mechanical performance and enhance surface roughness, with a reduction in manufacturing costs. In contrast, 3D printed composite samples with small nozzle diameter exhibited higher geometric accuracy. However, the effect of nozzle diameter on the flatness error and surface roughness was of slight significance. Finally, some print guidelines are included.
Originality value
The effect of nozzle diameter, which is directly related to product quality and manufacturing costs, has not been extensively studied. The presented study provides more information regarding the dependence of the mechanical, microstructural and geometric properties of short carbon fibre-reinforced nylon composite components on nozzle diameter.
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Abstract
Purpose
Current virtual simulation platforms provide various tools to generate non-immersive simulation processes purposefully in different domains. The generated simulation processes are adopted for analysis, presentation, demonstration and verification. In the virtual maintenance domain, this intuitive and visual method has benefitted product maintainability design and improvement. Generating an ideal and reasonable non-immersive virtual maintenance simulation is always time-consuming because of the complicated human operations and logical relationships involved. This study aims to propose a semiautomatic approach to increase efficiency in non-immersive virtual maintenance simulation implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology analyzes the general catalogs of common maintenance tasks and explores the corresponding secondary development approaches of simulation tools that can achieve motion simulation in virtual environments, by focusing on the diversity, complexity and uncertainty in non-immersive virtual simulation process generation. Afterward, a single virtual human motion can be generated by controlling the parameters and indices of the simulation tools. Subsequently, all of the generated single motions are connected logically to simulate the entire maintenance process.
Findings
Instead of selecting various tools, such as that in a traditional method, the proposed methodology analyzes and integrates the necessary basic parameters considering the characteristics of virtual maintenance simulation for a target maintenance activity.
Originality/value
The user can control the predefined parameters to generate the simulation combining several other simple operations in virtual environments. Consequently, the methodology decreases simulation tool selection and logic consideration and increases efficiency to a certain extent in non-immersive virtual maintenance simulation generation.
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Kamaljit Singh Boparai, Rupinder Singh and Harwinder Singh
The purpose of this study is to highlight the direct fabrication of rapid tooling (RT) with desired mechanical, tribological and thermal properties using fused deposition…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to highlight the direct fabrication of rapid tooling (RT) with desired mechanical, tribological and thermal properties using fused deposition modelling (FDM) process. Further, the review paper demonstrated development procedure of alternative feedstock filament of low-cost composite material for FDM to extend the range of RT applications.
Design/methodology/approach
The alternative materials for FDM and their processing requirements for fabrication in filament form as reported by various researchers have been summarized. The literature demonstrates the role of various post-processing techniques on surface finish of FDM prints. Further, low-cost materials for feedstock filament have been investigated experimentally to check their adaptability/suitability for commercial FDM setup. The approach was to realize the requirements of FDM (melt flow rate, flexibility, stiffness, glass transition temperature and mechanical strength), necessary for the successful run of an alternative filament. The effect of constituents (additives, plasticizers, surfactants and fillers) in polymeric matrix on mechanical, tribological and thermal properties has been investigated.
Findings
It is possible to develop composite material feedstock as filament for commercial FDM setup without changing its hardware and software. Surface finish of the parts can further be improved by applying various post-processing techniques. Most of the composite parts have high mechanical strength, hardness, thermal stability, wear resistant and better bond formation than standard material parts.
Research limitations/implications
Future research may be focused on improving the surface quality of parts fabricated with composite feedstock, solving issues related to the uniform distribution of filled materials during the fabrication of feedstock filament which in turns further increases mechanical strength, high dimensional stability of composite filament and transferring the technology from laboratory scale to various industrial applications.
Practical implications
Potential applications of direct fabrication with RT includes rapid manufacturing (RM) of metal-filled parts and ceramic-filled parts (which have complex shape and cannot be rapidly made by any other manufacturing techniques) in the field of biomedical and dentistry.
Originality/value
This new manufacturing methodology is based on the proper selection and processing of various materials and additives to form high-performance, low-cost composite material feedstock filament (which fulfil the necessary requirements of FDM process). Finally, newly developed feedstock filament material has both quantitative and qualitative advantage in RT and RM applications as compared to standard material filament.
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Miguel Ángel Caminero, Ana Romero Gutiérrez, Jesús Miguel Chacón, Eustaquio García-Plaza and Pedro José Núñez
The extrusion-based additive manufacturing method followed by debinding and sintering steps can produce metal parts efficiently at a relatively low cost and material wastage. In…
Abstract
Purpose
The extrusion-based additive manufacturing method followed by debinding and sintering steps can produce metal parts efficiently at a relatively low cost and material wastage. In this study, 316L stainless-steel metal filled filaments were used to print metal parts using the extrusion-based fused filament fabrication (FFF) approach. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of common FFF printing parameters on the geometric and mechanical performance of FFF manufactured 316L stainless-steel components.
Design/methodology/approach
The microstructural characteristics of the metal filled filament, three-dimensional (3D) printed green parts and final sintered parts were analysed. In addition, the dimensional accuracy of the green parts was evaluated, as well as the hardness, tensile properties, relative density, part shrinkage and the porosity of the sintered samples. Moreover, surface quality in terms of surface roughness after sintering was assessed. Predictive models based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used for characterizing dimensional accuracy, shrinkage, surface roughness and density. Additionally, the response surface method based on ANNs was applied to represent the behaviour of these parameters and to identify the optimum 3D printing conditions.
Findings
The effects of the FFF process parameters such as build orientation and nozzle diameter were significant. The pore distribution was strongly linked to the build orientation and printing strategy. Furthermore, porosity decreased with increased nozzle diameter, which increased mechanical performance. In contrast, lower nozzle diameters achieved lower roughness values and average deviations. Thus, it should be noted that the modification of process parameters to achieve greater geometrical accuracy weakened mechanical performance.
Originality/value
Near-dense 316L austenitic stainless-steel components using FFF technology were successfully manufactured. This study provides print guidelines and further information regarding the impact of FFF process parameters on the mechanical, microstructural and geometric performance of 3D printed 316L components.