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Automated clamping for post-processing of mass-customized parts is a challenging step in the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process chain. In this study, a novel modular sheet metal clamping system was developed that uses disposable sheet metal profiles as a universal interface for the LPBF, robotic handling, and milling processes. Based on a fundamental investigation of hybrid additive manufacturing, the sheet metal clamping system was designed to use the same interface for the LPBF and milling processes. Subsequent an end-to-end validation was performed for the entire process chain. The concept of the sheet metal clamping system gives milling tools access to a part on five to six sides. Further, the part can be accessed from the top and bottom sides, and simplifying the removal of LPBF supports. No clamping forces are induced in the LPBF part, which is especially important for filigree structures. The sheet metal clamping system’s underlying concept could be adapted to automating the LPBF process chain for applications such as prosthetic dentistry.

Abstract-With our ageing society, the group of lesscomputer literate patients is currently growing. Thus, all treatments involving patient cooperation need to address this type of patient into the procedure, well aware of human short comings in punctuality and reliability. We propose to ameliorate these error sources by making use of computerized time stamps and a sophisticated handheld finger-tip user-interface to support unexperienced patients to maintain a reliable pain and medication diary. The diary is individualized by predefining a set of medications and their proper use by a medical doctor. The pain diary application is running on a state-of-theart hand-held device featuring touch screen and gesture recognition. The application reminds the patient to judge his/her pain status according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) up to several times a day at predefined intervalls. At those given times, the patient inputs his medication intake according to the predefined list or with a free text editor. Other events (like meals or bowel movements) may be manually logged as well. To transfer the data back to the practitioner, the handheld device uploads accumulated data as XML-files by cable connection, or by a secure WLAN connection to a dedicated desktop PC, thus enabling the practitioner to analyze the patient log.

Automated clamping for post-processing of mass-customized parts is a challenging step in the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process chain. In this study, a novel modular sheet metal clamping system was developed that uses disposable sheet metal profiles as a universal interface for the LPBF, robotic handling, and milling processes. Based on a fundamental investigation of hybrid additive manufacturing, the sheet metal clamping system was designed to use the same interface for the LPBF and milling processes. Subsequent an end-to-end validation was performed for the entire process chain. The concept of the sheet metal clamping system gives milling tools access to a part on five to six sides. Further, the part can be accessed from the top and bottom sides, and simplifying the removal of LPBF supports. No clamping forces are induced in the LPBF part, which is especially important for filigree structures. The sheet metal clamping system’s underlying concept could be adapted to automating the LPBF process chain for applications such as prosthetic dentistry.