Hybrid manufacturing of complex components: Full methodology including laser metal deposition (LMD) module development, cladding geometry estimation and case study validation

To optimize and satisfy current industrial requirements, during the last decade new alternatives to conventional manufacturing processes are implemented into conventional machines, leading to multitasking machines. Especially hybrid machines combining additive and subtractive technologies (AM/SM), have become a potential solution for manufacturing and repairing operations in terms of material waste reduction, time consumption and flexibility. Nevertheless, this technology has implications for the machine and the auxiliary elements as well as other challenges: digitalization, process parameterization or CAD/CAM solutions. Thereby, this work proposes a new methodology for hybrid manufacturing systems, a programmed interface to interact between additive and subtractive technologies within the same environment. The developed application programming interface (API) offers a CAM module oriented to AM with appropriate laser metal deposition (LMD) parameters, with three different options of strategy programming: Planar LMD, 3-axis LMD and 5-axis LMD. Additionally, the value of this work stems from the implementation of an algorithm to estimate the cladding geometry, so, the full resulting geometry can be considered as the new blank for SM. A height measuring laser sensor was implemented in the LMD machine to obtain the real height of the generated clad, critical for the next machining step. Finally, to validate the methodology, a blisk made of Hastelloy (R) X was built-up on Inconel (R) 718 with LMD and milled to the final size. Dimensional deviation was measured after each process.This work is based on the grant number [BES-2014-068874] of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. Also, this work has been sponsored by the H2020-FoF13 PARADDISE Project [Grant Agreement No. 723440]

Manufacturing Processes of Integral Blade Rotors for Turbomachinery, Processes and New Approaches

Manufacturing techniques applied to turbomachinery components represent a challenge in the aeronautical sector. These components are commonly composed of high resistant super-alloys; in order to satisfy the extreme working conditions, they have to support during their useful life. Besides, in the particular case of Integrally Bladed Rotors (IBR), they usually present complex geometries that need to be roughed and finished by milling and grinding processes, respectively. Thermoresistant superalloys present many challenges in terms of machinability what leads to find new alternatives to conventional manufacturing processes. In order to face this issue, this work presents a review of the last advances for IBR manufacturing and repairing processes.We are grateful to Basque Excellence university Groups IT IT1337-19, and Ministry of economy project IBRELIABLE (DPI2016-74845-R), and Elkartek PROCODA KK 2019-004

CAM development for additive manufacturing in turbo-machinery components

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has become a constantly growing up technology due to the suitability and flexibility in terms of geometry and material diversity. It is applied in high value damaged part repairs from aeronautical, medical and molds and die sectors. This paper proposes an Application Programing interface(API) to be implemented in a commercial software (NX-Siemens) with the main objective of covering a full solution to AM simulation challenges. Experimental tests were carried out in a case of study in order to verify the suitability and reliability of the developed API. The selected material (Hastelloy X) is an additional challenge to be faced; some trials were performed to obtain optimal parameters for this material. [All rights reserved Elsevier]

Increased Levels of Interleukin-36 in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Fuel Adipose Tissue Inflammation by Inducing Its Own Expression and Release by Adipocytes and Macrophages

Interleukin (IL)-36 is a recently described cytokine with well-known functions in the regulation of multiple inflammatory diseases. Since no data exists on how this cytokine regulates adipose tissue (AT) homeostasis, we aimed to explore the function of a specific isoform, IL-36γ, an agonist, in human obesity and obesity-associated type 2 diabetes as well as in AT inflammation and fibrosis. Plasma IL-36γ was measured in 91 participants in a case-control study and the effect of weight loss was evaluated in 31 patients with severe obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. Gene expression levels of IL36G and its receptor were analyzed in relevant human metabolic tissues. The effect of inflammatory factors and IL-36γ was determined in vitro in human adipocytes and macrophages. We found, for the first time, that the increased (P<0.05) circulating levels of IL-36γ in patients with obesity decreased (P<0.001) after weight and fat loss achieved by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and that gene expression levels of IL36G were upregulated in the visceral AT (P<0.05) and in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (P<0.01) from patients with obesity. We also demonstrated increased (P<0.05) expression levels of Il36g in the epididymal AT from diet-induced obese mice. IL36G was significantly enhanced (P<0.001) by LPS in human adipocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages, while no changes were found after the incubation with anti-inflammatory cytokines. The addition of IL-36γ for 24 h strongly induced (P<0.01) its own expression as well as key inflammatory and chemoattractant factors with no changes in genes associated with fibrosis. Furthermore, adipocyte-conditioned media obtained from patients with obesity increased (P<0.01) the release of IL-36γ and the expression (P<0.05) of cathepsin G (CTSG) in monocyte-derived macrophages. These findings provide, for the first time, evidence about the properties of IL-36γ in the regulation of AT-chronic inflammation, emerging as a link between AT biology and the obesity-associated comorbidities

A New Approach in the Design of Microstructured Ultralight Components to Achieve Maximum Functional Performance

In the energy and aeronautics industry, some components need to be very light but with high strength. For instance, turbine blades and structural components under rotational centrifugal forces, or internal supports, ask for low weight, and in general, all pieces in energy turbine devices will benefit from weight reductions. In space applications, a high ratio strength/weight is even more important. Light components imply new optimal design concepts, but to be able to be manufactured is the real key enable technology. Additive manufacturing can be an alternative, applying radical new approaches regarding part design and components’ internal structure. Here, a new approach is proposed using the replica of a small structure (cell) in two or three orders of magnitude. Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) is one of the most well-known additive manufacturing methods of functional parts (and prototypes as well), for instance, starting from metal powders of heat-resistant alloys. The working conditions for such components demand high mechanical properties at high temperatures, Ni-Co superalloys are a choice. The work here presented proposes the use of “replicative” structures in different sizes and orders of magnitude, to manufacture parts with the minimum weight but achieving the required mechanical properties. Printing process parameters and mechanical performance are analyzed, along with several examples.Thanks are owed to H2020-FETOPEN-2018-2019-2020-01 ADAM2 PROJECT Analysis, Design, And Manufacturing using Microstructures and Authors are grateful to Basque government group IT IT1337-19 and the Ministry of Mineco REF DPI2016-74845-R, PID2019-109340RB-I00, KK-2020/00102, KK-2020/00042 and PID2019-104488RB-I00

Sex- and Age-Dependent Changes in the Adiponectin/Leptin Ratio in Experimental Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice

Biological sex and aging impact obesity development and type 2 diabetes, changing the secretion of leptin and adiponectin. The balance between these factors has been propounded as a reliable biomarker of adipose tissue dysfunction. Our proposal was to study sexual differences and aging on the adiponectin/leptin (Adpn/Lep) ratio in order to acquire a broader view of the impact of consuming an high-fat diet (HFD) on energy metabolism according to sex and age. Male and female C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal chow diet or an HFD for 12 or 32 weeks (n = 7–10 per group) and evolution of body weight, food intake and metabolic profile were registered. The HFD triggered an increase in body weight (p p p p < 0.01) in the Adpn/Lep ratio, which was negatively correlated with body weight gain, changes in different fat depots and insulin resistance. Females were more metabolically protected from obesity development and its related comorbidities than males regardless of age, making the Adpn/Lep ratio a relevant factor for body composition and glucose metabolism

Sex- and age-dependent changes in the adiponectin/leptin ratio in experimental diet-induced obesity in mice

Biological sex and aging impact obesity development and type 2 diabetes, changing the secretion of leptin and adiponectin. The balance between these factors has been propounded as a reliable biomarker of adipose tissue dysfunction. Our proposal was to study sexual differences and aging on the adiponectin/leptin (Adpn/Lep) ratio in order to acquire a broader view of the impact of consuming an high-fat diet (HFD) on energy metabolism according to sex and age. Male and female C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal chow diet or an HFD for 12 or 32 weeks (n = 7-10 per group) and evolution of body weight, food intake and metabolic profile were registered. The HFD triggered an increase in body weight (p < 0.001), body weight gain (p < 0.01) and adiposity index (p < 0.01) in both sexes at 32 weeks of age, but female mice fed the HFD exhibited these changes to a significantly lower extent than males. Aged female mice showed an increase (p < 0.01) in the Adpn/Lep ratio, which was negatively correlated with body weight gain, changes in different fat depots and insulin resistance. Females were more metabolically protected from obesity development and its related comorbidities than males regardless of age, making the Adpn/Lep ratio a relevant factor for body composition and glucose metabolism

Netrin-1 Promotes Visceral Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Obesity and Is Associated with Insulin Resistance

Netrin (NTN)-1 exhibits pro- and anti-inflammatory roles in different settings, playing important roles in the obesity-associated low-grade chronic inflammation. We aimed to determine the impact of NTN-1 on obesity and obesity-associated type 2 diabetes, as well as its role in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) inflammation. A total of 91 subjects were enrolled in this case-control study. Circulating levels of NTN-1 and its receptor neogenin (NEO)-1 were determined before and after weight loss achieved by caloric restriction and bariatric surgery. mRNA levels of NTN1 and NEO1 were assessed in human VAT, liver, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In vitro studies in human visceral adipocytes and human monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1)-derived macrophages were performed to analyze the impact of inflammation-related mediators on the gene expression levels of NTN1 and its receptor NEO1 as well as the effect of NTN-1 on inflammation. Increased (p &lt; 0.001) circulating concentrations of NTN-1 in obesity decreased (p &lt; 0.05) after diet-induced weight loss being also associated with a reduction in glucose (p &lt; 0.01) and insulin levels (p &lt; 0.05). Gene expression levels of NTN1 and NEO1 were upregulated (p &lt; 0.05) in the VAT from patients with obesity with the highest expression in the stromovascular fraction cells compared with mature adipocytes (p &lt; 0.01). NTN1 expression levels were enhanced (p &lt; 0.01) under hypoxia and by inflammatory factors in both adipocytes and macrophages. Adipocyte-conditioned media strongly upregulated (p &lt; 0.001) the mRNA levels of NTN1 in macrophages. The treatment of adipocytes with NTN-1 promoted the upregulation (p &lt; 0.05) of pro-inflammatory and chemotactic molecules as well as its receptor NEO1. Collectively, these findings suggest that NTN-1 regulates VAT chronic inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity