126,574 research outputs found
Product Focused Freeform Fabrication Education
Presented in this paper is our experience of teaching freeform fabrication to students at
the Missouri University of Science and Technology, and to high school students and
teachers. The emphasis of the curriculum is exposing students to rapid product
development technologies with the goal of creating awareness to emerging career
opportunities in CAD/CAM. Starting from solid modeling, principles of freeform
fabrication, to applications of rapid prototyping and manufacturing in industry sponsored
product development projects, students can learn in-depth freeform fabrication
technologies. Interactive course content with hands-on experience for product
development is the key towards the success of the program.Mechanical Engineerin
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Development of an Automated Multiple Material Stereolithography Machine
An automated Multiple Material Stereolithography (MMSL) machine was developed by
integrating components of a 3D Systems 250/50 stereolithography (SL) machine in a separate
stand-alone system and adapting them to function with additional components required for
MMSL operation. We previously reported retrofitting a 250/50 SL machine with multiple vats
to accommodate multiple material fabrication for building a wide variety of multi-material
models (Wicker et al., 2004). In the MMSL retrofit, spatial constraints limited the multiple vats
located circumferentially on a vertical rotating vat carousel to cross-sectional areas of
approximately 4.5-inches by 4.5-inches. The limited build size of the retrofitted 250/50
motivated the full development of a new system with multiple material build capabilities
comparable to the build envelope of the original 250/50 machine. The new MMSL machine
required fabrication of a large system frame, incorporating various 250/50 components and
software, and adding a variety of new components and software. By using many existing
components and software, the previous engineering development of 3D Systems could be
directly applied to this new technology. Components that were transferred from an existing
250/50 to the MMSL machine included the complete optical system (including the optics plate
with laser, mirrors, beam expander, scanning mirrors, and focusing lens), the rim assembly
(including the laser beam profilers), the associated controllers (computer system, scanning mirror
controller, power supply-vat controller) and the wiring harness. In addition to the new frame, the
MMSL machine required the development of a new rotating vat carousel system, platform
assembly, multi-pump filling/leveling system, and a custom LabVIEWÂź control system to
provide automated control over the MMSL process. The overall operation of the MMSL system
was managed using the LabVIEWÂź program, which also included controlling a new vat leveling
system and new linear and rotational stages, while the 3D Systems software (Buildstation 4.0)
was retained for controlling the laser scanning process. As a demonstration of MMSL
technology, simple multi material parts were fabricated with vertically and horizontally oriented
interfaces. The fully functional MMSL system offers enormous potential for fabricating a wide
variety of multiple material functional devices.Mechanical Engineerin
Data-driven through-life costing to support product lifecycle management solutions in innovative product development
Innovative product usually refers to product that comprises of creativity and new ideas. In the development of such a new product, there is often a lack of historical knowledge and data available to be used to perform cost estimation accurately. This is due to the fact that traditional cost estimation methods are used to predict costs only after a product model has been built, and not at an early design stage when there is little data and information available.
In light of this, original equipment manufacturers are also facing critical challenges of becoming globally competitive and increasing demands from customer for continuous innovation. To alleviate these situations this research has identified a new approach to cost modelling with the inclusion of product lifecycle management solutions to address innovative product development.The aim of this paper, therefore, is to discuss methods of developing an extended-enterprise data-driven through-life cost estimating method for innovative product development
The potential of additive manufacturing in the smart factory industrial 4.0: A review
Additive manufacturing (AM) or three-dimensional (3D) printing has introduced a novel production method in design, manufacturing, and distribution to end-users. This technology has provided great freedom in design for creating complex components, highly customizable products, and efficient waste minimization. The last industrial revolution, namely industry 4.0, employs the integration of smart manufacturing systems and developed information technologies. Accordingly, AM plays a principal role in industry 4.0 thanks to numerous benefits, such as time and material saving, rapid prototyping, high efficiency, and decentralized production methods. This review paper is to organize a comprehensive study on AM technology and present the latest achievements and industrial applications. Besides that, this paper investigates the sustainability dimensions of the AM process and the added values in economic, social, and environment sections. Finally, the paper concludes by pointing out the future trend of AM in technology, applications, and materials aspects that have the potential to come up with new ideas for the future of AM explorations
Micro-manufacturing : research, technology outcomes and development issues
Besides continuing effort in developing MEMS-based manufacturing techniques, latest effort in Micro-manufacturing is also in Non-MEMS-based manufacturing. Research and technological development (RTD) in this field is encouraged by the increased demand on micro-components as well as promised development in the scaling down of the traditional macro-manufacturing processes for micro-length-scale manufacturing. This paper highlights some EU funded research activities in micro/nano-manufacturing, and gives examples of the latest development in micro-manufacturing methods/techniques, process chains, hybrid-processes, manufacturing equipment and supporting technologies/device, etc., which is followed by a summary of the achievements of the EU MASMICRO project. Finally, concluding remarks are given, which raise several issues concerning further development in micro-manufacturing
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Approach Tolerance in the Assemblies of Evolutionary Hybrid Prototypes
A new answer is proposed to replace the traditional âone shotâ prototype (manufactured in
one piece with one process): the hybrid rapid prototype. It is used to highly reduce time,
cost and increase reactivity during the development times of new products.
The part is decomposed in several components which can quickly be changed and can be
manufactured with a process the most adapted.
The main objective of the presented method is to propose an available technological
assembly between the different components of the part in the respect of technological and
topological function, and initial tolerance.
Using a graph of representation, fuzzy logic and a tolerance point of view, some entities are
associated with a CIA (Assembly Identity Card) in accordance with evolutionary and
manufacturing analysis. This work will be illustrated by an industrial tooling for plastic
injection.Mechanical Engineerin
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