Chapter Seven - Process Control and Modeling

Abstract

In this chapter on process control and modeling, there are four sections of focus. The first section discusses the motivation behind the need for process control and modeling in additive manufacturing (AM), along with examples of the corresponding relationships between some process parameters and process resultants. The primary objectives of controlling an AM process are listed, along with a basic formulation to achieve real-time monitoring and control of common AM processes. The second section reviews different types of in situ monitoring sensors that can be used to obtain real-time measurements. Some research-works in which these measurements have been analyzed and used to control the process to successfully improve the overall quality of the prints are also discussed. The third section provides an overview of process modeling and basic input parameters involved, such as heat irradiating source characteristics, material domains, boundary conditions, as well as thermo-mechanical material properties. Finally, the last section highlights some of the commercial solutions for process modeling and process control that are currently available in the market.