Abstract
In the work presented herein, the structural integrity of polymeric functional components made of Nylon-645 and Polylactic acid (PLA) produced by additive manufacturing (Fused Deposition Modelling, FDM) is studied. The PLA component under study was selected from the production line of a brewing company, and it was redesigned and analyzed using the Finite Element Method, 3D printed, and installed under real service. The results obtained indicated that, even though the durability of the 3D printed part was lower than the original, savings of about EUR 7000 a year could be achieved for the component studied. Moreover, it was shown that widespread use of AM with other specific PLA components could result in even more significant savings. Additionally, a metallic hanger (2700 kg/m3) from the cockpit of an airplane ATR 70 series 500 was successfully redesigned and additively manufactured in Nylon 645, resulting in a mass reduction of approximately 60% while maintaining its fit-for-purpose. Therefore, the components produced by FDM were used as fully functional components rather than prototype models, which is frequently stated as a major constraint of the FDM process.
Highlights
Polymers, either in their natural or synthetic form, thermoplastic or thermosetting, can be considered cheap materials, characterised by low density and diverse characteristics of mechanical resistance, ductility, toughness, and viscoelasticity, to mention a few
In order to enhance the durability of the redesigned component at the vicinity of the pre-loaded bolt, a metallic strip sheet of brass was folded and combined with the backstop made of Polylactic acid (PLA) (Figure 5), allowing the composite part installed in the production line to endure 554 h, which corresponded to 1 1⁄2 months in service
In the work presented, some examples were given for specific additive manufacturing (AM) polymer components, allowing for significant money savings
Summary
Either in their natural or synthetic form, thermoplastic or thermosetting, can be considered cheap materials, characterised by low density and diverse characteristics of mechanical resistance, ductility, toughness, and viscoelasticity, to mention a few. In order to enhance the durability of the redesigned component at the vicinity of the pre-loaded bolt, a metallic strip sheet of brass was folded and combined with the backstop made of PLA (Figure 5), allowing the composite part installed in the production line to endure 554 h, which corresponded to 1 1⁄2 months in service. FDFMDcMosctost SupSpulpypclyosctost DoDwonwtimnteim(heo(uhrosu) rs) MaMinateinntaenncaenccoe sctost TotTaol tCaol sCtost
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
