Data Tools for Metallic Additive Manufacturing

ABSTRACT:Metallic additive manufacturing (AM) processes offer the potential to fabricate components with spatial modulation of both processing conditions and chemistry. However, existing CAD tools do not have the capability to acquire and manage the necessary spatially varying process data. FTLs framework manages the data associated with both the AM geometry and process, and provides capabilities to store and manipulate spatially varying process data generated as part of both the design and fabrication process. FTLs approach is compatible and adaptable to any metallic AM processes to contain a variety of process data including feed rate, nozzle position/velocity/acceleration, emitted power level, and projected material properties.BENEFIT:The proposed approach will expand the range of available interfaces to CAD tools and AM equipment/planning software for all AM manufacturers and AM equipment manufacturers. The resulting open and transparent data tool will enable broadening of AM markets in aerospace and defense sectors.