Researchers at North Carolina State University have introduced a novel technique that streamlines the finishing process of 3D printed metal machine parts.
By integrating 3D printing, automated machining, laser scanning, and touch-sensitive measurement technologies, they’ve developed a system that conducts automated quality control during finishing. This eliminates the need to repeatedly remove and measure parts and significantly reduces production time, addressing a common challenge in additive manufacturing.
Traditionally, ensuring that metal machine parts meet critical tolerances involves manual intervention and time-consuming processes. However, with this new technique, users can conduct quality control without disrupting the manufacturing equipment. The process begins with printing the desired part, followed by mounting it in a finishing device equipped with lasers for dimension scanning. A software program then guides the finishing device to polish out irregularities based on the desired tolerances. Additionally, a touch-sensitive robotic probe ensures the part’s dimensions meet specifications.
“All of the hardware we used in this technique is commercially available, and we outline the necessary software clearly in the paper – so we feel that this new approach could be adopted and put into use almost immediately,” said Brandon McConnell, co-corresponding author of a paper on the work.
“And we are certainly open to working with partners who are interested in making use of this technique in their operations.”
The impact of this advancement is profound, particularly in industries where quick replacement of machine components is crucial. By expediting the finishing process and maintaining precision, manufacturers can enhance efficiency and productivity. The integration of automation not only accelerates production but also minimizes the potential for human error, ensuring consistent quality. With this new approach, manufacturers can meet the demands of producing small batches of machine parts on demand, without the delays associated with traditional supply chains.
You can read the full research paper titled “Automatic feature-based inspection and qualification for additively manufactured parts with critical tolerances” at this link.
Source: ncsu.edu