A Direct Material Reuse Approach Based on Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing Technologies for Manufacture of Parts from Existing Components

Abstract

This paper presents a direct material reuse approach. The approach consists in producing new parts directly from existing components avoiding the material recycling stage, using a combination of additive and subtractive technologies. The proposed approach seems able to reduce resources consumption and waste during the manufacturing process. The major steps of the approach are presented. The process planning for combined additive and subtractive processes is particularly discussed. The process planning is designed through the feature concept, based on the knowledge of individual processes, technological requirements, and available resources. Finally, the feasibility of proposed approach is validated through a case study.