Control architectures for Industrial Additive Manufacturing Systems

Industrial Additive Manufacturing technologies are increasingly being employed in manufacturing environments, yet there has been little consideration of these in terms of manufacturing systems. This paper explores the important concept of control for Industrial Additive Manufacturing Systems, drawing upon data achieved in twelve case studies to identify four feasible control architectures. Using an abductive approach, this paper contributes to a recognized knowledge gap in operations and manufacturing management research

Control architectures for Industrial Additive Manufacturing Systems

Industrial Additive Manufacturing technologies are increasingly being employed in manufacturing environments, yet there has been little consideration of these in terms of manufacturing systems. This paper explores the important concept of control for Industrial Additive Manufacturing Systems, drawing upon data achieved in twelve case studies to identify four feasible control architectures. Using an abductive approach, this paper contributes to a recognized knowledge gap in operations and manufacturing management research

Re-articulating the role of process design to support mass customisation: The case of rapid manufactured custom-made fixtures

Whilst the fulfilment of customised production affects the whole product realisation chain involving product design, process design and supply chain design, our assessment of the literature observes comparatively little attention has been given to process design. Within this area, this paper considers the opportunity for custom fixture manufacture, combining the power of modularity with the technologies of Rapid Manufacturing. Several examples are presented illustrating significant improvements in quality, fixture cost and overall time to market can be achieved through this approach

The additive manufacturing supply chain

This study focuses on the use of Additive Manufacturing processes, and through empirical research examines how supply chains may be affected by the application of these disruptive technologies

The additive manufacturing supply chain

This study focuses on the use of Additive Manufacturing processes, and through empirical research examines how supply chains may be affected by the application of these disruptive technologies

Technology review for mass customisation using rapid manufacturing

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the opportunities and challenges of mass customisation (MC), together with the possibilities for enablement using the technologies of rapid manufacturing (RM). Design/methodology/approach – A thorough evaluation of numerous approaches to RM of customised products is presented, with particular focus on relative advantages and limitations of each technology. To demonstrate the applicability of specific techniques, case studies from both consumer and medical applications are reported based on original research. Findings – The paper highlights not only the opportunities for RM technologies, but also the limitations of specific processes. This approach provides guidance for practitioners in the selection of appropriate technologies for MC enablement. Research limitations/implications – The focus of this practitioner review is limited to proprietary RM materials and systems which are already commercially available, with relatively little attention given the technologies presently in development. Originality/value – Whilst RM and MC have already received much attention in the literature, comparatively little consideration has been given to the unification of both concepts. This paper has particular emphasis on this unification with respect to the selection of appropriate technologies, and presents an appraisal of existing applications making use of RM. Through this approach, practitioners gain information in the selection of appropriate technologies for MC

FEA support structure generation for the additive manufacture of CastForm™ polystyrene patterns

Understanding the nature of part failure when using CastForm™ material for pattern generation is essential in the development of failure avoidance practices. Currently, many approaches employed in both research and industry rely on the use of physical supports to underpin the part, yet there is little research which explores their optimal implementation. In this paper, a detailed empirical investigation examines how the material characteristics of CastForm™ are affected during the thermal infiltration process, and how this may lead to part failure. Using Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis, it is shown that increased temperature reduces the storage modulus of the material, leading to rubber-like behaviour at 60°C. The findings of this material investigation are used as input for the generation of a linear static FEA model, with which this research demonstrates how physical supports can be optimized in terms of the quantity used, and also their positioning relative to the part. Two industrial case studies illustrate this approach to part production, highlighting both the success of the FEA approach to eliminate part failures, and also the potential to improve knowledge for the process operators in the use of part supports. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Energy and Cost Assessment of 3D Printed Mobile Case Covers

Sustainable manufacturing emphasizes efficient production,whilst upholding economic, environmental, and societal commitments. One major challenge for sustainability arises in short lifecycle products such as mobile phone covers. The market demands quick product launch and responsive fulfilment, which is typically achieved through make-to-stock production using injection moulding. This approach necessitates production is based on demand forecasts, which frequently leads to overproduction and much unsold waste product. 3D printing technologies enable a make-to-order production model, allowing customers to self-manufacture mass customized products as needed. Moreover, in the framework of circular economy, 3D printing empowers the final user with full control of the end-of-life product disposal management. These capabilities suggest 3D printing may afford improved sustainability, but to-date there has been little empirical validation of this proposition. This paper addresses this gap through a comparison of 3D printed and injection moulded production, providing a detailed quantitative evaluation of energy and costs for both manufacturing approaches