Deposition modeling, generalized process planning, and Design for Additive Manufacturing for fabrication of large scale and radial components by robotic large-scale additive manufacturing

Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, uses computer-aided design to build objects layer by layer. AM enables complex designs with reduced component lead time, cost, material waste, energy usage and carbon footprint. Large scale robotic AM (> 1 m cubed) using wire arc welding is an emerging field offering scalability of AM to heavy industry. A particularly limiting factor for large-scale AM, however, is the need for support structures for overhanging features with current AM process planning and tool path planning methods. InnoTech Alberta and University of Alberta are interested in researching and developing new methods and processes for equipping their large scale AM system with multi-directional deposition capability that can eliminate the need for support structures , developing and using design for additive manufacturing (DFAM) to optimize and improve upon existing designs while considering the supportless fabrication process, and in the process eliminate the associated limitations of existing AM processes and improve them. This would allow development of a digital design and manufacturing tool chain allowing scaling up of metal AM for large parts suitable to Alberta’s industry.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ahmed Qureshi;Zengtao Chen

Student:

Thomas Lehmann

Partner:

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Alberta

Program: