TITLE:
A Design Modification Approach to Utilize the Benefits of Metal Additive Manufacturing Adoption
AUTHORS:
Jun Hao Tan, Wee Koon Woon, Wai Leong Eugene Wong
KEYWORDS:
Selective Laser Melting, Design Optimization, Lightweight, Additive Manufacturing, Metallic Honeycomb
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering,
Vol.4 No.7,
July
25,
2016
ABSTRACT: Existing Metal
Additive Manufacturing processes are fast approaching a matured stage in which
a wide range of possibilities are available for the incorporation of the rapid
fabrication technology to current industrial practices. In terms of design
conventions, the limitless geometrical freedom allows complex structures
including cellular internal grids and lattices to be formed without additional
tooling. Repair parts and leveraging components can also be produced on demand
when required especially for military assets where large volume of inventory is
constantly maintained to ensure operational readiness. In this exemplary work,
a feasibility study on using stainless steel material with integrated cellular
design to manufacture a guide bracket found on a military vehicle via Selective
Laser Melting process was conducted. The results showed appreciably better mechanical
performance in using a stainless steel honeycomb as compared to the aluminum
alloy used for the original component together with a faster production route
through SLM.