Abstract
3D printing methods are constantly gaining in popularity among investors, allowing for the production of products with a complex structure, and also used in the production of products with increasingly longer production series. It is planned to build factories (or those already under construction) in which 3D printing devices are the basic production devices. It is therefore important to develop guidelines and recommendations for layout design principles for additive technologies’ devices. A question should be asked: will the development of a layout for additive technology machines in future factories differ from the preparation of a layout plan, for example, removal machining devices? Is it safe to assume that the mathematical methods of optimizing the layout of Computerized Relative Allocation of Facilities Technique (CRAFT), Computerized Relationship Layout Planning (CORELAP), and Modified Spanning Tree (MST) workstations or Schmigalla triangles will also work for 3D printing machines and devices? In search of answers to these questions, the article will attempt to apply a selected mathematical method to optimize the layout of workstations when machines and devices of additive technology are deployed for the assumed technological process and implemented according to frequently used Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technologies. A sample layout will be prepared for the assumed production plan and selected 3D printing technologies. Requirements and guidelines relevant to the development of layout plans will be collected regarding the necessary space, installations, and connections.
Highlights
With the development of 3D printing methods, factories equipped with this type of equipment are increasingly being built
It will be possible to collect information on whether this limitation is a significant disadvantage of this type of optimization method in the case of 3D printing devices
Mathematical methods optimizing theplan, arrangement workstations work well when limitations related to: using 3D printing machines; special attention should be paid to the following aspects when designing layout plans:into account the required/recommended minimum distances between devices
Summary
With the development of 3D printing methods, factories equipped with this type of equipment are increasingly being built. The type of machinery and manufacturing aids necessary for the conversion process as stated above; the human factor of skill level at each stage, the number of persons required, the safety requirements and their ergonomics; the statutory and regulatory requirements as per provisions of the factories act must be considered for the plant layout; the line balancing and waiting factor decides the space requirement for the material storage; the material handling system is an integral part of the plant layout. It is one of the major cost areas. SLS and SLM devices were selected as basic devices for “factory building”, based on the assumption that the offered products will use various materials (i.e., powdered plastics and metals)
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