Advancing Free-Form Fabrication: Industrial Robots' Role in Additive Manufacturing of Thermoplastics

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the advancements and potential of industrial robots in the field of additive manufacturing of thermoplastics. As the manufacturing industry continues to embrace Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing principles, the integration of robotic systems has gained significant attention due to their flexibility, precision, and automation capabilities. This article explores the utilization of industrial robots in achieving free-form fabrication, particularly focusing on the additive manufacturing process for composite materials. It looks into the hardware setup, software systems configuration, and platform development that combines FDM with robotic arm technologies. It discusses the merits, limitations, and prospective uses of freeform additive manufacturing and the interoperability between traditional additive manufacturing and robotic additive manufacturing. The experimental results show that this integration is feasible and advantageous, with better process flexibility and production capacities when compared to typical FDM systems.