Modelling of an additive 3d-printing process based on design of experiments methodology

Abstract

Purpose: The implementation of additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D-printer manufacturing for technical prototyping, preproduction series and short production series can bring benefits in terms of reducing cost and time to market in product development. These technologies are beginning to be applied in different industrial sectors and have a great possibility of development. As these technologies are still in development, there is a need to define the capacity of the 3D machines to establish minimum standards for producing high-quality parts. In order to understand the behaviour of the different parameters of the 3D-manufacturing process and define the numerical prediction models to produce high-quality parts, the University of Mondragón has carried out the study presented in this article on a new 3D printer recently purchased for the research laboratories. Methodology/Approach: The proposed methodology is based on a design of experiments (DOE) approach, which serves as a guide for engineers when it comes to executing any experimental study. Findings: The study has improved understanding in two areas of action: the behaviour of 3D technologies and the application of improvement methods based on the DOE methodology. We identified key factors for optimising the new technology, including an impression in 3D. Originality/Value of paper: This study uses a methodological approach to demonstrate how the 3D printing technology can be enriched with statistical testing techniques (DOE). It defines numerical prediction models to obtain high-quality parts with a new AM technology, using a planning process with a minimum amount of experimentation.