Methodology for the Quality Control Process of Additive Manufacturing Products Made of Polymer Materials

Abstract

The objective of this publication is to present a quality control methodology for additive manufacturing products made of polymer materials, where the methodology varies depending on the intended use. The models presented in this paper are divided into those that are manufactured for the purpose of visual presentation and those that directly serve the needs of the manufacturing process. The authors also a propose a comprehensive control system for the additive manufacturing process to meet the needs of Industry 4.0. Depending on the intended use of the models, the quality control process is divided into three stages: data control, manufacturing control, and post-processing control. Research models were made from the following materials: RGD 720 photopolymer resin (PolyJet method), ABS M30 thermoplastic (FDM method), E-Partial photopolymer resin (DLP method), PLA thermoplastic (FFF method), and ABS thermoplastic (MEM method). The applied measuring tools had an accuracy of at least an order of magnitude higher than that of the manufacturing technologies used. The results show that the PolyJet method is the most accurate, and the MEM method is the least accurate. The findings also confirm that the selection of materials, 3D printing methods, and measurement methods should always account not only for the specificity and purpose of the model but also for economic aspects, as not all products require high accuracy and durability.

The Influence of 3D Printing Parameters on Adhesion between Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

“…Rapid prototyping is a promising method that can support the efficient production of models and prototypes [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies allow components with adjustable geometry and mechanical properties [ 4 , 5 , 6 ] that can be used in a wide variety of industry sectors to be obtained [ 7 ]. Fused deposition modelling (FDM), also known as fused filament fabrication (FFF), is an AM process based on extrusion, where material as a filament is melted and selectively dispensed through a fine nozzle layer upon layer according to the slice model [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

Effect of a Powder Mould in the Post-Process Thermal Treatment of ABS Parts Manufactured with FDM Technology

“…The quality and mechanical properties of FDM parts can be improved if modifications before, on site and after manufacturing are made. In order to improve the quality, some works have developed a control system for the most common additive manufacturing processes and materials, including dimensional parts control [ 14 ]. Other studies improve the properties evaluating the effect of infill parameters [ 15 , 16 ], such as layer thickness, raster direction and layup order.…”

The State of the Art of Material Jetting—A Critical Review

“…Budzik et al compared car mirror holder parts manufactured by MJ, FDM and DLP in terms of visual control, application of a caliper and application of a contactless optical system. They stated that the MJ method was the most precise technique [ 97 ]. Wesemann et al compared the accuracy of occlusal splints produced by SLA, DLP and MJ and concluded that SLA showed the smallest manufacturing deviations [ 98 ].…”