A method to Formalise the Rapid Prototyping Process

Facing the increasing complexity of the product design area, (reduction of cycle times, introduction of simultaneous engineering, introduction of digital mock-up, ... ) a research department which wants to define a rapid prototyping process is confronted to the problem of the tools’ choice. Therefore, we will propose in this article, a method allowing to conceive such a process. In a first chapter, we present the rapid prototyping area in the product design environment, in a second chapter we will propose our method illustrated by an industrial case

The integration of new technologies : the stakes of knowledge

In order to remain competitive in an increasingly competitive international context, French companies are forced to follow one or more of various possible routes: relocating some of the activities, optimizing the design and / or production process, or innovate technologically. When they choose to develop new technologies, it is advisable to seek outside expertise in different areas. Thus they must exchange and create knowledge in partnership with other companies. But in order to control and integrate this future technology, we support that the acquisition and the capitalization of the technical training, during the process of innovation, are of primary importance. This article demonstrates that the construction of this knowledge base can be achieved only by formalizing close and rigorous collaboration. To do this, we propose a model of the collaborative process, meant for the leaders of innovative projects to support design.Cifr

A method to Formalise the Rapid Prototyping Process

Facing the increasing complexity of the product design area, (reduction of cycle times, introduction of simultaneous engineering, introduction of digital mock-up, ... ) a research department which wants to define a rapid prototyping process is confronted to the problem of the tools’ choice. Therefore, we will propose in this article, a method allowing to conceive such a process. In a first chapter, we present the rapid prototyping area in the product design environment, in a second chapter we will propose our method illustrated by an industrial case

AM knowledge integration to foster innovation process: a methodological proposal.

In a few years, Additive Manufacturing (AM) has become a promising technology and opened up new prospects for the product development. Nevertheless, design methods remain predominantly based on conventional manufacturing processes and AM capabilities need to be better mastered and integrated in the design team. The methodology presented in this article seek to foster the product innovation process by avoiding these weaknesses through a contribution of AM knowledge. This AM knowledge is tailored, i.e. delivered to the right user at the right time and in the right format, in order to be useful and usable during the creative stages of the design process

Assembly Based Methods to Support Product Innovation in Design for Additive Manufacturing: An Exploratory Case Study

Additive manufacturing (AM) is emerging as an important manufacturing process and a key technology for enabling innovative product development. Design for additive manufacturing (DFAM) is nowadays a major challenge to exploit properly the potential of AM in product innovation and product manufacturing. However, in recent years, several DFAM methods have been developed with various design purposes. In this paper, we first present a state-of-the-art overview of the existing DFAM methods, then we introduce a classification of DFAM methods based on intermediate representations (IRs) and product's systemic level, and we make a comparison focused on the prospects for product innovation. Furthermore, we present an assembly based DFAM method using AM knowledge during the idea generation process in order to develop innovative architectures. A case study demonstrates the relevance of such approach. The main contribution of this paper is an early DFAM method consisting of four stages as follows: choice and development of (1) concepts, (2) working principles, (3) working structures, and (4) synthesis and conversion of the data in design features. This method will help designers to improve their design features, by taking into account the constraints of AM in the early stages

AM knowledge integration to foster innovation process: a methodological proposal.

In a few years, Additive Manufacturing (AM) has become a promising technology and opened up new prospects for the product development. Nevertheless, design methods remain predominantly based on conventional manufacturing processes and AM capabilities need to be better mastered and integrated in the design team. The methodology presented in this article seek to foster the product innovation process by avoiding these weaknesses through a contribution of AM knowledge. This AM knowledge is tailored, i.e. delivered to the right user at the right time and in the right format, in order to be useful and usable during the creative stages of the design process

Enriching design with X through tailored additive manufacturing knowledge : a methodological proposal

a promising technology and opened up new prospects for the product development. Nevertheless, design methods remain predominantly based on conventional manufacturing processes and AM capabilities need to be better mastered and integrated in the design team. This article questions how a new technology (i.e. AM) can enable product innovation. Thus to support designers in preliminary design, a methodology is introduced. The specificity of this methodology is the use of a tailoredAMknowledge, i.e. a knowledge delivered to the right user at the right time and in the right format, in order to be useful and usable during the creative stages of the design proces