Assessment of geometrical defects caused by thermal distortions in laser-beam-melting additive manufacturing: a simulation approach
ISSN: 1355-2546
Article publication date: 6 August 2019
Issue publication date: 21 August 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a numerical approach inspired by Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) standards for the assessment of geometrical defects appearing during Additive Manufacturing (AM) by Laser Beam Melting (LBM).
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on finite element (FE) simulations of thermal distortions, then an assessment of flatness defects (warping induced by the high-residual stresses appearing during the manufacturing) from the deformed surfaces provided by simulation, and finally the correction of the calculated flatness defects from preliminary comparison between simulated and experimental data.
Findings
For an elementary geometrical feature (a wall), it was possible to identify the variation in the flatness defect as a function of the dimensions. For a complex geometry exhibiting a significant flatness defect, it was possible to improve the geometric quality using the numerical tool.
Research limitations/implications
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this work is the first attempt using a numerical approach inspired by GPS standards to identify variations in thermal distortions caused by LBM, which is an initial step toward optimization. This paper is mainly focused on flatness defect assessment, even though the approach is potentially applicable for all types of geometrical defects (shape, orientation or position defects).
Practical implications
The study opens prospects for the optimization of complex parts elaborated using LBM, based on the minimization of the geometric defects caused by thermal distortions.
Social implications
The prospects in terms of shape optimization will extend the potential to benefit from the new possibilities offered by LBM additive manufacturing.
Originality/value
Unlike the usual approach, the proposed methodology does not require any artifacts or comparisons with the computer-aided-design (CAD) model for geometrical distortion assessment. The present approach opens up the possibility of performing metrology from FE simulation results, which is particularly promising in the AM field.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge Région Auvergne Rhône Alpes (Ressourcement en fabrication additive) for their financial aid. They also thank the company AddUp Solutions of Cébazat, France, and ESI Group, France, for their support during this research.
Citation
Douellou, C., Balandraud, X. and Duc, E. (2019), "Assessment of geometrical defects caused by thermal distortions in laser-beam-melting additive manufacturing: a simulation approach", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 25 No. 5, pp. 939-950. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-01-2019-0016
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited