additive manufacturing
additive manufacturing
(OP)
looking to get a part prototyped using the above method.
having read about the amazing cost effective process that is additive manufacturing (in all its various forms) i decided to give it a go, the problem though is size.
all current systems seem to have a work envelope averaging 250 x 250 x 250 (mm)
my part is approx 20 x 20 x 508 (mm)
is their a machine currently able to produce this part?
having read about the amazing cost effective process that is additive manufacturing (in all its various forms) i decided to give it a go, the problem though is size.
all current systems seem to have a work envelope averaging 250 x 250 x 250 (mm)
my part is approx 20 x 20 x 508 (mm)
is their a machine currently able to produce this part?





RE: additive manufacturing
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The Help for this program was created in Windows Help format, which depends on a feature that isn't included in this version of Windows.
RE: additive manufacturing
im quite happy to stick with machining the part from a billet, but i wanted to explore this option first - in the interest of saving time and money.
RE: additive manufacturing
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Plymouth Tube
RE: additive manufacturing
i don't know a lot about welding, brazing or diffusion bonding.
the part will be subjected to pressures around 40-60,000 psi and high temperatures, will it hold up against these without failing?
RE: additive manufacturing
RE: additive manufacturing
For people who may also be interested, I've also done a little more digging and found a company called ExOne who produce a machine called the M-7. This has a build envelope of 780 x 400 x 400 mm, but prints a binder onto the powdered metal, which then has to be sintered. Still for a complete part with complex geometry (using most of the build area), it would take approx 2-3 days which is still fast.
To me the whole point of Additive Manufacturing as Edstainless pointed out was to save money by saving time, chopping a part into several pieces or adding in another process, kind of negates the original advantage of saving time and money.
I'm sure there must be a reason for the limited build envelope, maybe an issue of maintaining quality of a larger build?
RE: additive manufacturing
An alternative that works if you need a metal part without the above issues, is to make a plastic (or better, wax) copy of what you want, plus shrinkage, and then send the piece to an investment casting foundry. They will form a ceramic shell around your plastic/wax form, burn out the plastic leaving the shell, and pour the metal of your choice into the mold.
RE: additive manufacturing
I wanted to look for a viable option to reduce waste, tooling, and manufacturing time. Additive manufacturing sounded like the answer.
RE: additive manufacturing
There are several methods of AM available and with different materials, ranging from plastics, resins and metals.
Please note that the parts made out of the above process are primarily used for form and fitment testing of components in the preliminary stages of design. These are also used for rapid tooling, where multiple prototypes are made within a short span of time.
Though you have not mentioned the exact nature of the part to be prototyped, you have mentioned that the part will be subjected to 40-60,000 psi.
As others have pointed out, the metal prototypes have their own limitations and I have my own doubts of how well the end objective will be achieved. Also note that, generally the strength of the components will be weak in the Z direction (vertical) and you have to consider this while prototyping and planning your tests.
With regard to the size of the component, I presume it to be a long and slender part, parts of this nature can be oriented in various ways to prototype within the average envelope.
Thanks
RE: additive manufacturing
I wasn't aware of any weakness along the vertical axis. I have taken on board all the good advice posted and don't think AM is suitable for my part. Interestingly, having had a brief look at investment casting and hot isostatic pressing, this may be a route to explore.
Ultimately though, like all things, it will come down to cost and speed.
Thanks to everyone who posted!