Smart sensing for Hybrid Additive Manufacturing of fixture systems

Abstract

The work done aims to produce a fixturing system to fix one of the biggest problems in 3D printing and it is the supports used inside and outside of the model. The different chapters written describe the literature, analysis, the methodology, optimization, design, testing, and discussion parts. The work accomplished is done by using a MATLAB code that was utilized to do the work in the models presented with testing of different constrains against the classic 3-2-1 theory and in different arrangements. The results of these cases affirm that 3-2-1 (6 points constrain) is the least number possible and that any over-constrained model is not a problem because it still proves that the model is fixed while printing. Furthermore, the fixture design is design accordingly with multiple sides with multiple levelled pins to fix the model from all planes as the optimization was done. One of the results incorporated a virtual trial of how the framework would act with a model when 3D printed, in various advances and highlighting how the system would approach this problem. Therefore, the solution is a concept that can solve many problems faced when trying to 3D print complex models