Robotic Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) is popularly known as 3D printing. It is a technology that produces a physical part directly from its corresponding digital 3D model design. Printing parameters defined in the slicer software generate tool paths for each layer, and the printers deposit the materials on top of each layer to produce the 3D part. AM technology has been widely used in many fields for rapid prototyping. Technological advancements in AM have shifted its purpose to manufacturing. However, when compared to traditional manufacturing, AM is a slow process. So, printing process speed must be improved by developing new mechanisms and slicing algorithms. Such that model can be printed faster without sacrificing the surface quality. Additionally, the current 3D printers are based on a gantry system, so the models with overhanging elements require support structures. Printing the support and an actual part takes more time and material. Therefore, multi-direction slicing algorithms need to be developed, and to print in multi-direction without support structures; a higher degree of freedom system like industrial robotic arms are needed.https://ecommons.udayton.edu/stander_posters/3736/thumbnail.jp