MULTI-HEAD ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING WITH OPTIMAL HPC THERMAL STABILIZATION
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- MULTI-HEAD ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING WITH...
For this project, Microtvornica simulated temperature distribution in 3D printers on HPC infrastructures, improving understanding and optimizing production, assembly, and calibration. Numerical simulation models predicted printer structure and motion, with 3D printer tests validating simulations.
Start date: 01/06/2021
Duration in months: 18
Problem Description
Mikrotvornica simulated on HPC the temperature distribution in 3D printers, aluminum profiles, transmission systems, and final 3D printed pieces, with the aim of improving understanding of processes and optimizing production, assembly, and calibration.
Goals
New services
Challenges
Heat distribution in industrial machines for additive manufacturing is crucial, especially in 3D printers. Issues can cause void formation, geometrical deformation, or poor interlayer bonding in materials used by the automotive and aerospace industries.
Innovation results
A numerical simulation model was developed to predict the impact of heat on a 3D printer's structure and motion system. The model was built from scratch using OpenFOAM for scaling and incorporating unsteady processes. Experiments were conducted to validate the simulations.
Business impact
HPC and numerical simulations can shorten delivery times by 30-50%, reduce production costs by 15-30%, and increase 3D printing accuracy. This results in €150.000 in savings over three years. Improved 3D printers can increase sales by 20-30% and generate €600.000 additional turnover.