INTRODUCING BIO-BASED ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TO AN ENGINEERING FACILITY

摘要

Innovative product development and manufacturing technologies are vital to a robust economy. Recent national emphases on STEM disciplines and breakthrough research in these areas underscores the importance of innovation and disruptive technologies to increased economic activity effects. One of the hot areas of emerging technology applications in industry is that of additive manufacturing (AM). While the AM process may produce parts from both metallic inputs and polymer resins, this effort focuses on the polymer area and specifically bio-based polymers. The research examines process and technology aspects which may impact performance and capabilities. In order to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating bio-based AM into an engineering setting, the Plastics Laboratory of Northern Illinois University has conducted a study. The required steps were the purchase of a 3D printer, installation and trouble-shooting of the printer, creation of sample parts, generation of test coupons for mechanical testing, and testing per ASTM specifications. This program's effectiveness is judged by the ease at which the AM technology is made operational as well as the properties of resulting parts. Properties include appearance, durability, and strength. The property evaluation is especially important as quality is dependent on how the part is oriented during the build, along with other factors, and strength is lower when compared to parts made by traditional plastics processing methods. For success, the printer must be relatively easy to install and operate, and parts must have a minimum amount of strength.