Development of a Part-Complexity Evaluation Model for Application in Additive Fabrication Technologies

Abstract

With the rapid development and expansion of devices for the production of both traditional (cutting) procedures and layered technologies (also known as 3D printers or rapid prototyping/manufacturing), the question arises as to how to find the appropriate production technology. Article describes the basic features of the CAD output file STL. The STL file format is a widelyused file format developed for layered technologies and, as such, a basis for analysing and developing methods when determining the complexity of a model. For the analyses of basic STL data, and complexity determination, several real-life models are presented. Actual manufacturing procedures suitable for the manufacture of unique products or serial production are presented, with accentuation towards layered technologies. Technological test models are analysed based on the fundamental properties of manufacturing and certain manufacturing processes are chosen using complexity estimation. The results are comparable with those choices of manufacturing procedures on the basis of experts' estimates. Complexity evaluation is also used for post-processing time determination for several layered technologies.

Influence of Processing Parameters on Tensile Properties of SLS Polymer Product

“…With additive manufacturing it is possible to produce parts with complex geometry [1]. To select the right additive technology, it is necessary to consider the number and volume of products, material and its properties, time of production, and cost [2]. The number of available materials is limited to some polymers (semicrystalline or crystalline), metals and ceramic [1,3].…”

Initial study of immersion thermal manikin development and its manufacture from solid blocks

“…The construction should disallow improper usage of the product or damages to the product and users during the operation [9]. In order to enable production, the properties had to be suitable for small series productions, cost, material and surface qualities being taken into consideration [10].…”

Conceptual Model for Management of Digital Factory Simulation Information

“…In the standard ISO10303-1994, information model is defined as a formal model of a bordered set of facts, concepts or instructions, to meet a specific requirement. There are other research works who define this product and manufacturing model [32][33][34][35], but none of them includes the concept of simulation model, which is also a type of information model.…”