🏭 Advancing Sustainable Manufacturing 🌱
Researchers from CIMNE and Leitat Technological Center have just published groundbreaking research on the transformative potential of 3D printing in achieving carbon-neutral industrial manufacturing.
🎓 Authors: 鹿旭飞, Prof. Michele Chiumenti, Prof. Miguel Cervera Ruiz, Mehdi Slimani, and Iban Gonzàlez
📄 Full paper: https://lnkd.in/gGQZzXb5
💡 SUMMARY
⚙️ This study explores the challenges of producing thin-walled structures through Selective Laser Melting (SLM). It investigates solutions to mitigate warping and recoater crashes in lightweight structures, utilizing an in-house coupled thermo-mechanical finite element model. The research unveils critical factors affecting build integrity and proposes strategies for more effective SLM processes.
📐 In their approach, the researchers utilized a 3D-scanner to measure post-printing warpage for each component and refined their thermo-mechanical finite element model, specifically addressing recoater effects during the SLM process.
🕵️♀️ KEY FINDINGS:
🖥️ Updating their FE thermo-mechanical software to consider the recoating effects and calibrating the numerical framework based on the experimental results obtained by a 3D scanner, the authors found that:
1️⃣ The orientation of the part on the build-plate with respect to the recoating direction impacts the residual warpage of the build.
2️⃣ When the recoating system clashes with uneven powder spreading, it adds extra stress in the recoater's direction. If this stress is at a right angle to the thin parts, bending becomes more noticeable. So, how you position lightweight structures on the base platform really matters
3️⃣ Lightweight structures in 3D printing tend to warp more because they're not as sturdy as closed ones. However, closed structures may have higher stress, which can be eased with post-annealing. Combining different components can boost the entire structure's strength, helping it handle the heat stress during printing. This also evens out temperatures, reducing hotspots and stress.
4️⃣ Geometry compensation ensures more accurate shapes in 3D-printed parts. It can tweak the original design, considering any warping during the printing process. This strategy guarantees the best geometrical accuracy in SLM parts.
💬 #CIMNE #SustainableManufacturing #3DPrinting #manufacturing #research #sustainabledevelopment
