Applying a Combination of Cutting-Edge Industry 4.0 Processes towards Fabricating a Customized Component

Abstract

3D scanning, 3D printing, and CAD design software are considered important tools in Industry 4.0 product development processes. Each one of them has seen widespread use in a variety of scientific and commercial fields. This work aims to depict the added value of their combined use in a proposed workflow where a customized product needs to be developed. More specifically, the geometry of an existing physical item’s geometry needs to be defined in order to fabricate and seamlessly integrate an additional component. In this instance, a 3D scanning technique was used to digitize an e-bike’s frame geometry. This was essential for creating a peripheral component (in this case, a rear rack) that would be integrated into the frame of the bicycle. In lieu of just developing a tail rack from scratch, a CAD generative design process was chosen in order to produce a design that favored both light weight and optimal mechanical behaviors. FDM 3D printing was utilized to build the final design using ABS-CF10 materials, which, although being a thermoplastic ABS-based material, was introduced as a metal replacement for lighter and more ergonomic component production. Consequently, the component was manufactured in this manner and successfully mounted onto the frame of the e-bike. The proposed process is not limited to the manufacturing of this component, but may be used in the future for the fabrication of additional peripheral components and tooling.

Transforming Object Design and Creation: Biomaterials and Contemporary Manufacturing Leading the Way

“…By incorporating shape memory or stimuli-responsive be-haviors into 4D-printed robot components, these materials allow robots to change their shape, adjust their locomotion patterns, and respond to environmental conditions. Biomimetic smart materials offer advantages in terms of lightweight construction, energy efficiency, and the ability to perform complex tasks [101]. This opens up avenues for soft robotics, where robots can navigate unstructured environments, manipulate objects, and interact safely with humans [102].…”

The Use of 3D Scanning and 3D Color Printing Technologies for the Study and Documentation of Late Bronze Age Pottery from East-Central Greece

“…The emеrgеncе of 3D printing has rеsultеd in a substantial shift within thе industrial sеctor, resulting in a transformativе impact on thе broadеr rеalm of production mеthodologiеs (Antreas and Piromalis, 2021;Kantaros еt al., 2023d). The importance of this technology rеsidеs in its ability to convеrt thеorеtical idеas and bluеprints into concrеtе manifеstations with a high dеgrее of prеcision and еffеctivеnеss (Kantaros et al, 2023e). The importance of this technology resides in its ability to convert theoretical ideas and blueprints into concrete manifestations with a high degree of precision and effectiveness.…”

Advanced Composite Materials Utilized in FDM/FFF 3D Printing Manufacturing Processes: The Case of Filled Filaments

“…The aforementioned technology exhibits exceptional velocity, efficacy, and economic viability, making it exceedingly appropriate for prototyping and limited-scale manufacturing. In addition, it promotes enhanced adaptability in the design process, thus allowing for the creation of complex and unique objects that would be difficult or impractical to produce using traditional manufacturing methods [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”