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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Sergio de la Rosa, Pedro F. Mayuet, Cátia S. Silva, Álvaro M. Sampaio and Lucía Rodríguez-Parada

This papers aims to study lattice structures in terms of geometric variables, manufacturing variables and material-based variants and their correlation with compressive behaviour…

Abstract

Purpose

This papers aims to study lattice structures in terms of geometric variables, manufacturing variables and material-based variants and their correlation with compressive behaviour for their application in a methodology for the design and development of personalized elastic therapeutic products.

Design/methodology/approach

Lattice samples were designed and manufactured using extrusion-based additive manufacturing technologies. Mechanical tests were carried out on lattice samples for elasticity characterization purposes. The relationships between sample stiffness and key geometric and manufacturing variables were subsequently used in the case study on the design of a pressure cushion model for validation purposes. Differentiated areas were established according to patient’s pressure map to subsequently make a correlation between the patient’s pressure needs and lattice samples stiffness.

Findings

A substantial and wide variation in lattice compressive behaviour was found depending on the key study variables. The proposed methodology made it possible to efficiently identify and adjust the pressure of the different areas of the product to adapt them to the elastic needs of the patient. In this sense, the characterization lattice samples turned out to provide an effective and flexible response to the pressure requirements.

Originality/value

This study provides a generalized foundation of lattice structural design and adjustable stiffness in application of pressure cushions, which can be equally applied to other designs with similar purposes. The relevance and contribution of this work lie in the proposed methodology for the design of personalized therapeutic products based on the use of individual lattice structures that function as independent customizable cells.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 May 2024

Hongshuai Guo, Shuyou Zhang, Nan Zhang, Xiaojian Liu and Guodong Yi

The step effect and support structure generated by the manufacturing process of fused deposition molding parts increase the consumables cost and decrease the printing quality…

Abstract

Purpose

The step effect and support structure generated by the manufacturing process of fused deposition molding parts increase the consumables cost and decrease the printing quality. Multiorientation printing helps improve the surface quality of parts and reduce support, but path interference exists between the printing layer and the layers printed. The purpose of this study is to design printing paths between different submodels to avoid interference when build orientation changed.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering support constraint, build orientation sequence is designed for submodels decomposed by model topology. The minimum printing angle between printing layers is analyzed. Initial path through the oriented bounding box is planned and slice interference relationship is then detected according to the projection topology mapping. Based on the relationship matrix of multiorientation slice, feasible path is calculated by directed graph (DG). Final printing path is determined under support constraint and checked by minimum printing angle. The simulation model of the robotic arm is established to verify the accessibility of printing path under the constraint of support and slice.

Findings

The proposed method can reduce support structure, decrease volume error and effectively solve the interference problem of the printing path for multiorientation slice.

Originality/value

The method based on projection topology mapping greatly improves the efficiency of interference detection. A feasible path calculated through DGs ensures the effectiveness of the printing path with the constraint of support and slice.

Details

Robotic Intelligence and Automation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-6969

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 May 2024

Dongfei Li, Hongtao Wang and Ning Dai

This paper aims to propose a method for automatic design of additive manufacturing (AM) flow channel paths driven by path length and pressure loss. The research focuses on the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a method for automatic design of additive manufacturing (AM) flow channel paths driven by path length and pressure loss. The research focuses on the automatic design of channel paths, intending to achieve the shortest flow channel length or minimum pressure loss and improve the design efficiency of AM parts.

Design/methodology/approach

The initial layout of the flow channels is redesigned to consider the channels print supports. Boundary conditions and constraints are defined according to the redesigned channels layout, and the equation consisting of channel length and pressure loss is used as the objective function. Then the path planning simulation is performed based on particle swarm algorithm. The proposed method describes the path of flow channels using spline cures. The spline curve is controlled by particle (one particle represents a path), and the particle is randomly generated within the design space. After the path planning simulation is completed, the generated paths are used to create 3D parts.

Findings

Case study 1 demonstrates the automatic design of hydraulic spool valve. Compared to conventional spool valve, the pressure loss was reduced by 86% and the mass was reduced by 83%. The design results of case study 2 indicate that this approach is able to find the shortest channel path with lower computational cost.

Originality/value

The automatic design method of flow channel paths driven by path length and pressure loss presented in this paper provides a novel solution for the creation of AM flow components.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 October 2023

Alberto Giubilini and Paolo Minetola

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the 3D printability of a multimaterial, fully self-supporting auxetic structure. This will contribute to expanding the application of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the 3D printability of a multimaterial, fully self-supporting auxetic structure. This will contribute to expanding the application of additive manufacturing (AM) to new products, such as automotive suspensions.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental approach for sample fabrication on a multiextruder 3D printer and characterization by compression testing was conducted along with numerical simulations, which were used to support the design of different auxetic configurations for the jounce bumper.

Findings

The effect of stacking different auxetic cell modules was discussed, and the findings demonstrated that a one-piece printed structure has a better performance than one composed of multiple single modules stacked on top of each other.

Research limitations/implications

The quality of the 3D printing process affected the performance of the final components and reproducibility of the results. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to further study component fabrication optimization to achieve a more reliable process.

Practical implications

This research work can help improve the manufacturing and functionality of a critical element of automotive suspension systems, such as the jounce bumper, which can efficiently reduce noise, vibration and harshness by absorbing impact energy.

Originality/value

In previous research, auxetic structures for the application of jounce bumpers have already been suggested. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, in this work, an AM approach was used for the first time to fabricate multimaterial auxetic structures, not only by co-printing a flexible thermoplastic polymer with a stiffer one but also by continuously extruding multilevel structures of auxetic cell modules.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 29 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 August 2023

Jin Young Jung, Seonkoo Chee and InHwan Sul

Increasingly 3D printing is used for parts of garments or for making whole garments due to their flexibility and comfort and for functionalizing or enhancing the aesthetics of the…

Abstract

Purpose

Increasingly 3D printing is used for parts of garments or for making whole garments due to their flexibility and comfort and for functionalizing or enhancing the aesthetics of the final garment and hence adding value. Many of these applications rely on complex programming of the 3D printer and are usually provided by the vendor company. This paper introduces a simpler, easier platform for designing 3D-printed textiles, garments and other artifacts, by predicting the optimal orientation of the target objects to minimize the use of plastic filaments.

Design/methodology/approach

The main idea is based on the shadow-casting analogy, which assumes that the volume of the support structure is similar to that of the shadow from virtual sunlight. The triangular elements of the target object are converted into 3D pixels with integer-based normal vectors and real-numbered coordinates via vertically sparse voxelization. The pixels are classified into several groups and their noise is suppressed using a specially designed noise-filtering algorithm called slot pairing. The final support structure volume information was rendered as a two-dimensional (2D) figure, similar to a medical X-ray image. Thus, the authors named their method modified support structure tomography.

Findings

The study algorithm showed an error range of no more than 1.6% with exact volumes and 6.8% with slicing software. Moreover, the calculation time is only several minutes for tens of thousands of mesh triangles. The algorithm was verified for several meshes, including the cone, sphere, Stanford bunny and human manikin.

Originality/value

Simple hardware, such as a CPU, embedded system, Arduino or Raspberry Pi, can be used. This requires much less computational resources compared with the conventional g-code generation. Also, the global and local support structure is represented both quantitatively and graphically via tomographs.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 35 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2023

Sakthivel Murugan R. and Vinodh S.

This paper aims to propose a new framework on prioritizing and deployment of design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) strategies to an industrial component using Fuzzy TOPSIS…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a new framework on prioritizing and deployment of design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) strategies to an industrial component using Fuzzy TOPSIS multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. The proposed framework is then applied to an automotive component, and the results are discussed and compared with existing design.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight DfAM design alternatives associated with eight design criteria have been identified for framing new DfAM strategies. The prioritization order of the design alternatives is identified by Fuzzy TOPSIS MCDM technique through its closeness coefficient. Based on Fuzzy TOPSIS MCDM output, each of the design alternatives is applied sequentially to an automobile component as a case study. Redesign is carried out at each stage of DfAM implementation without affecting the functionality.

Findings

On successful implementation of proposed framework to an automotive component, the mass is reduced by 43.84%, from 0.429 kg to 0.241 kg. The redesign is validated by finite element analysis, where von Mises stress is less than the yield stress of the material.

Practical implications

The proposed DfAM framework and strategies will be useful to designers, R&D engineers, industrial practitioners, experts and consultants for implementing DfAM strategies on any industrial component without impacting its functionality.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the idea of prioritization and implementation of DfAM strategies to an automotive component is the original contribution.

Book part
Publication date: 19 March 2024

Catherine Sandoval and Patrick Lanthier

This chapter analyzes the link between the digital divide, infrastructure regulation, and disaster planning and relief through a case study of the flood in San Jose, California…

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the link between the digital divide, infrastructure regulation, and disaster planning and relief through a case study of the flood in San Jose, California triggered by the Anderson dam’s overtopping in February 2017 and an examination of communication failures during the 2018 wildfire in Paradise, California. This chapter theorizes that regulatory decisions construct social and disaster vulnerability. Rooted in the Whole Community approach to disaster planning and relief espoused by the United Nations and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, this chapter calls for leadership to end the digital divide. It highlights the imperative of understanding community information needs and argues for linking strategies to close the digital divide with infrastructure and emergency planning. As the Internet’s integration into society increases, the digital divide diminishes access to societal resources including disaster aid, and exacerbates wildfire, flood, pandemic, and other risks. To mitigate climate change, climate-induced disaster, protect access to social services and the economy, and safeguard democracy, it argues for digital inclusion strategies as a centerpiece of community-centered infrastructure regulation and disaster relief.

Details

Technology vs. Government: The Irresistible Force Meets the Immovable Object
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83867-951-4

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2023

Mahyar Khorasani, Ian Gibson, Amir Hossein Ghasemi, Elahe Hadavi and Bernard Rolfe

The purpose of this study is, to compare laser-based additive manufacturing and subtractive methods. Laser-based manufacturing is a widely used, noncontact, advanced manufacturing…

1153

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is, to compare laser-based additive manufacturing and subtractive methods. Laser-based manufacturing is a widely used, noncontact, advanced manufacturing technique, which can be applied to a very wide range of materials, with particular emphasis on metals. In this paper, the governing principles of both laser-based subtractive of metals (LB-SM) and laser-based powder bed fusion (LB-PBF) of metallic materials are discussed and evaluated in terms of performance and capabilities. Using the principles of both laser-based methods, some new potential hybrid additive manufacturing options are discussed.

Design methodology approach

Production characteristics, such as surface quality, dimensional accuracy, material range, mechanical properties and applications, are reviewed and discussed. The process parameters for both LB-PBF and LB-SM were identified, and different factors that caused defects in both processes are explored. Advantages, disadvantages and limitations are explained and analyzed to shed light on the process selection for both additive and subtractive processes.

Findings

The performance of subtractive and additive processes is highly related to the material properties, such as diffusivity, reflectivity, thermal conductivity as well as laser parameters. LB-PBF has more influential factors affecting the quality of produced parts and is a more complex process. Both LB-SM and LB-PBF are flexible manufacturing methods that can be applied to a wide range of materials; however, they both suffer from low energy efficiency and production rate. These may be useful when producing highly innovative parts detailed, hollow products, such as medical implants.

Originality value

This paper reviews the literature for both LB-PBF and LB-SM; nevertheless, the main contributions of this paper are twofold. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first to discuss the effect of the production process (both additive and subtractive) on the quality of the produced components. Also, some options for the hybrid capability of both LB-PBF and LB-SM are suggested to produce complex components with the desired macro- and microscale features.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 29 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 January 2023

Ashley Alteri

Many low-income students are unable to participate in internship programs because they lack financial resources to pay for the cost of housing and relocating to the internship…

Abstract

Purpose

Many low-income students are unable to participate in internship programs because they lack financial resources to pay for the cost of housing and relocating to the internship site. This paper examines the types of benefits or supports related to housing and relocation that employers are providing to paid interns.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses content analysis to examine the types of supports included in job advertisements posted on Handshake, the largest early career networking platform in the US.

Findings

During the period studied, less than 11% of internships advertised indicated that the employer was willing to provide housing or relocation support, only 107 employers across the US. Only 53 employers were willing to provide free company-sponsored housing. Internships offering support are clustered in the fields of business, engineering and research, providing almost no internships for students in other fields.

Practical implications

Given the high cost of housing, if a student does not have access to considerable financial resources, they are unlikely to participate in an internship or will be limited to a position in their commutable area. To level the playing field among all students, employers need to offer free or subsidized company-sponsored housing to student interns. While some employers do offer support, the number of students needing support far exceeds the number of internships available.

Originality/value

While there is information on what students identify as barriers, there is no accurate picture of employer supports available to mitigate these barriers. This exploratory analysis is the first to examine the benefits and supports employers are providing to paid interns.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 September 2022

Meenal Arora, Anshika Prakash, Amit Mittal and Swati Singh

This study aimed to evaluate the factors that determine an individual's decision to adopt human resources (HR) analytics. This study attempts to extend Unified Theory of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the factors that determine an individual's decision to adopt human resources (HR) analytics. This study attempts to extend Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology - 2 (UTAUT2) to identify the lag rate in adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

Responses were obtained from 387 HR employees of the Banking Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector in metropolitan cities of India through nonprobabilistic purposive sampling. The analysis was performed through hierarchical regression, structural equation modeling and moderation of resistance to change.

Findings

The results suggest that performance expectancy, hedonic motivation and data availability are endorsed by proponents of the intention to adopt HR analytics. In contrast, effort expectancy, social influence, quantitative self-efficacy and habits did not influence behavioral intention (BI). Additionally, the actual use behavior (UB) of HR analytics was determined by BI and facilitating conditions. Furthermore, the moderating effect of resistance to change is explored.

Practical implications

This study makes a significant contribution to the literature on the adoption of HR analytics. By appropriately concentrating on the adoption intention of HR analytics, organizations can intensify healthy employee relationships, thus encouraging the actual usage of HR analytics.

Originality/value

This study formulates a conceptual framework for the adoption of HR analytics that can be used by top management to formulate strategies for the implementation of HR analytics. Moreover, this study aimed to expand UTAUT2, emphasizing the concept of data availability and quantitative self-efficacy and examining the moderating role of resistance to change in the relationship between BI and UB.

Details

Evidence-based HRM: a Global Forum for Empirical Scholarship, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-3983

Keywords

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