Distinguish between polymerbased and metalbased AM systems E

Distinguish between polymer-based and metal-based AM systems. Explain key factors that need to be considered in each one of these systems.

Solution

Additive manufacturing (AM) also known as additive fabrication, 3D printing,layered manufacturing, and free form fabrication is defined as the process of joining materials to make objects from three-dimensional (3D) model data, usually layer upon layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing methodologies such as machining.

Additive manufacturing primarily focuses on metal-based AM because parts produced by these technologies are likely to be used as functional components, have a higher inherent value than parts made from other materials, and require further improvements before widespread acceptance of metal-based AM can be achieved.

Different test artifacts used to characterize different aspects of the performance of additive manufacturing (AM)systems. The resulting test artifacts are described in four categories: test artifacts for comparing systems or technologies for decision making, test artifacts for evaluating individual systems for optimization, test artifacts for evaluating metal-based processes, and test artifacts for other uses.

The sizes of the test artifacts varied, but the largest observed dimensions of the square base were 240 mm by 240 mm. The smallest features observed were 0.25 mm thin walls (for both polymer-based and metal based AM technologies), 0.2 mm holes and bosses in polymer-based AM technologies, and 0.5 mm holes and bosses in metal-based AM technologies.

The AM test artifact was first built in starch and in polymer before being built in metals.The polymer test artifact was built using a material extrusion system.

The material extrusion system took 3.5 hours to build, though this polymer was not solid throughout. The Metal test artifact was built using a PBF - laser system and took 18 hours to build.