Optimization of Reverse Engineering Process for Constructing Rotational Part Model Using Response Surface

The quality of rotational part model constructed by digitizing process depends on circumferential pitch and height direction pitch. In obtaining the most similar model of rotational product, circumferential pitch and height direction pitch must be set as low as possible. However, it will increase the required time to perform digitizing process. This paper describes an optimization of reverse engineering process, in particularly digitizing process, for a simple and complex rotational part modeling using response surface methodology. Based on the experiment results, the quality of simple part model is influenced only by height direction pitch. The optimum quality of part model is achieved by using height direction pitch equal to 2 mm. The optimum quality of part model has the value of texture is 1.5152 and the required time is 6.3891 minutes. In addition, the quality of complex part model is influenced by circumferential pitch and height direction pitch. The optimum quality of complex part model is achieved by using circumferential pitch equal to 0.36 degree and height direction pitch equal to 1.8 mm. The optimum quality of complex part model has the value of texture is 0.4313 and the required time is 8.5514 minutes

Use of Graded Laser Scanning to Generate Efficient Boundary Element Meshes

This thesis presents an approach which combines a reverse engineering technique with boundary element stress analysis, by generating a graded mesh to improve the simulation efficiency. A rectangular metal plate, a bar of a circular cross section, a gas turbine blade and a steam turbine blade were scanned at different resolutions using a (non-contact) laser scanner measurement to obtain the point clouds. Meshes of each object were generated in Rapidform and directly used in a boundary element stress analysis. In addition, the steam turbine blade was scanned using different scanning resolutions. From this, a graded mesh model of the blade was generated and then efficient boundary element stress analyses were performed. An application of a freeform surface reconstruction of a blade surface is also given. Also, several Matlab programs were written to repair the edges and the cylindrical surface of the meshes

A Short Review on 4D Printing

Additive Manufacturing can be described as a process to build 3D objects by adding layer-upon-layer of material, the material traditionally being plastics, metals or ceramics, however ‘smart’ materials are now in use. Nowadays, the term “3D Printing” has become a much-used synonym for additive manufacturing. The use of computing, 3D solid modeling applications, layering materials and machine equipment is common to majority of additive manufacturing technologies. Advancing from this 3D printing technology, is an emerging trend for what is being termed “4D printing”. 4D printing places dependency on smart materials, the functionality of additive manufacturing machines and in ingenious design processes. Although many developments have been made, limitations are still very much in existence, particularly with regards to function and application. The objective of this short review is to discuss the developments, challenges and outlook for 4D printing technology. The review revealed that 4D printing technology has application potential but further research work will be vital for the future success of 4D printing