Automated post machining process planning for a new hybrid manufacturing method of additive manufacturing and rapid machining
ISSN: 1355-2546
Article publication date: 10 October 2018
Issue publication date: 18 October 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a new method for automated post machining process planning for a hybrid manufacturing process. The manufacturing process is expected to generate complex functional parts by taking advantage of free form surface creation from additive manufacturing and high-quality surface finishing from CNC milling.
Design/methodology/approach
The hybrid process starts with additive manufacturing to generate a near net shape part with pre-defined machining allowances on surfaces requiring high quality surface or tight tolerances, along with integrated fixture geometry. The next step is to conduct automated machining process planning to determine critical parameters such as setup angle, tool selection, depth, tool containment, and consequently, the NC code to machine the part.
Findings
This method is shown to be a feasible solution for rapidly creating functional parts. The tests have been conducted to validate the method developed in this paper.
Originality/value
This paper introduces a new automated post machining process planning method for integrating additive manufacturing with a rapid milling process.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge project funding support from American Makes, in collaboration with Dr Harshad Srinivasan, Dr Ola Harrison and Dr Richard Wysk from North Carolina State University. The authors would also like to acknowledge the machining and other technical assistance of Daniel Robinson and Ronald Harms from the Rapid Manufacturing and Prototyping Lab.
Citation
Chen, N., Barnawal, P. and Frank, M.C. (2018), "Automated post machining process planning for a new hybrid manufacturing method of additive manufacturing and rapid machining", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 24 No. 7, pp. 1077-1090. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-04-2017-0057
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited