Implementation of Finite Element Method Simulation in Control of Additive Manufacturing to Increase Component Strength and Productivity

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are becoming a global phenomenon in the manufacturing industry. The progressiveness of additive manufacturing lies in its universality. AM makes it possible to produce parts with complex shapes from different materials without any tools, using only one device. Complex and time-consuming production preparation is eliminated by using AM. It is used in a wide range of industries. Although additive manufacturing is a progressive technology, the currently applied conservative approach has significant limits. The presented work focuses on the development of a new methodology for controlling the AM process. This methodology is based on the outputs of the strength simulation of a specific component through the finite element method (FEM) and their implementation in the printing software of the production equipment. The developed algorithm for controlling the AM process consists of a sequence of successive steps. The designed CAD model of the component is subjected to FEM simulation in order to analyze the von Mises stress in the entire volume of the loaded component. Stresses are distributed asymmetrically in the volume of the component due to the shape and nature of the load. The results of the FEM analysis allow the definition of the volumes in the component with different levels of infill geometry and infill density based on different levels of stress. The FEM simulation also serves to define the effective fiber orientation. The goal of implementing FEM simulation into the building structure of the component is to achieve a symmetrical distribution of stresses in the entire volume. Through the symmetry of internal stresses, it is possible to obtain more efficient production with high productivity and component strength. The work also deals with experimental research on the effect of the building structure on flexural strength. The results of FEM simulation and experimental research are integrated into the developed slicer software to design a layering of the model and the setting of technological and material parameters of printing. This progressive approach makes it possible to generate data for 3D printing based on FEM analysis of components to obtain an optimized printed structure of components and optimized technological and material parameters with regard to maximizing the strength of components and minimizing production times and costs.