Hybrid additive and subtractive manufacturing of multi-material objects

Abstract

Purpose

This study presents a method for fabricating multi-material objects using a hybrid additive and subtractive approach. By hybridizing the material composition in addition to the fabrication process, functional requirements can be met more effectively than through homogenous material parts produced using a single manufacturing process. Development of multi-material objects consisting of dissimilar materials that have been hampered by a lack of a structural interface compatible with in-envelope hybrid additive and subtractive manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

This research presents a novel method for producing multi-material components through in-envelope hybrid additive and subtractive manufacturing. This study attempts to address the absence of a metal-polymer interface by integrating polymer additive manufacturing into a five-axis mill. The ability of the polymer additive system to reproduce overhang geometries is assessed with different levels of cooling. The relationship between structural performance, cooling and material flow rate is evaluated for the deposited carbon fiber reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

Findings

A mechanically interlocking root structure is developed to form an interface between a machined aluminum region and a polymer region of an object. The tensile strength of the metal-polymer object is measured and found to be on the same order of magnitude as the bulk three-dimensional printed polymer.

Originality/value

By targeting the material properties to the local functional requirements within a part and taking advantage of both additive and subtractive manufacturing processes, this study will enable broader design options and optimization of performance metrics.

Citation

Weflen, E. and Frank, M.C. (2021), "Hybrid additive and subtractive manufacturing of multi-material objects", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 27 No. 10, pp. 1860-1871. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-06-2020-0142