![]() Such challenges are known already from casting technologies but are even increased for additively produced parts. The complex, only functional load-dependent design hampers the machining with conventional technologies and a reference point is often missing to align the parts inside the machines. It also has to be taken into account that the AM typical bionic design leads to difficulties during the post-processing. A branch-specific trade-off methodology supports this action. Several perspectives have to be checked whether it is economical and technical reasonable to apply AM for the particular part. It is important to start the AM product development (PDP) process with the right selection of a suitable part for this technology. Support structure and the orientation within the build chamber are two important cost and quality drivers that the engineer has to be aware of to fully exploit the (cost) potential. The design is not only relevant for the production but also influencing the costs. AM-specific design rules have to be followed in order to enable manufacturability and achieve a high part quality. Although AM enables far more complex designs than conventional technology is capable of, there are still some constraints that have to be taken into account. Gaining knowledge about the whole product development and production process from new product concepts to the production itself is crucial. For a successful integration of AM, it is necessary not only to know about the characteristics and benefits of AM itself. Companies have a lack of experience with this comparably new technology. The special characteristics of AM, for example the cost-efficient production of complex shaped parts and the on-demand production due to the shortfall of tools, offer a huge potential for reducing costs and becoming more efficient. The general methodology is discussed on the basis of the space industry but is subject to be adapted to other industries.Īdditive Manufacturing (AM) is nowadays very popular in the media and of high interest for many companies as it is considered to become a game changer in several industries. The methodology itself is discussed and explained on a real sample metal part. The paper will close with a detailed economic view on the topic and some deductions regarding the changes in the supply chain. This is followed by post-processing and testing procedures of the part. Furthermore, production and production planning are discussed. This includes the marking of parts for traceability during the whole product lifecycle for quality reasons as well as for product protection. Based on this, the development of industrialization and test and verification plans for production are shown. Best practices for integrating (or in the best case avoiding) traditional technologies are discussed. Those are utilized for a black box methodology, ensuring a time-efficient redesign based on FEA optimization and design rules for additive manufacturing. This includes approaches for functional integration as well as a methodology for the compilation of part requirements. Based on the promising part candidates, deductions for the further product development process will be described. ![]() Then methodology starts with an appropriate part selection as a key parameter for the product development process. This paper will present a holistic approach which will assist the designer during product development and manufacturing based on an example part from the space industry. In general, aspects like design rules need to be known along the product development process in order to achieve technology-based benefits during production and post-processing resulting in economic success. Redesign or manufacturing approaches of unsuited part candidates are no very likely to be successful. As all other production technologies, AM has certain strength and weaknesses which affect the suitable part candidates. Additional knowledge along the whole product development chain is necessary to succeed in implementing this technology. ![]() Many companies struggle with the use of AM even if they have already identified the benefits of this technology for their business. Even in times where additive manufacturing has a peak in media and industry interest, only few companies have already implemented this technology.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |