Maintain the desired dimensions and tolerances of a 3D-printed part with dimensional control by Shillong Design. Know the factors and their applications.
Dimensional control is a process carried out in additive manufacturing to maintain the desired dimensions and tolerances of a 3D-printed part throughout the manufacturing process. This process involves matching the printed object to its intended design specifications and meeting the required dimensional accuracy by the industries.
Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, has continuously contributed to the transformation of the manufacturing industry by providing new possibilities for generating complex and custom parts. This innovative technology has allowed for the precise layer-by-layer production of objects, bringing various designs to life with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. But to achieve accurate and high-quality 3D prints, dimensional control is essential.
Dimensional Control and Factors Involved
Many factors are involved in maintaining proper dimensional control.
One of these factors is the material. Different materials feature unique characteristics like shrinkage and warping during the cooling and solidification process. Manufacturers should opt for the appropriate materials for their desired applications. They must also consider the specific dimensional behaviour of the materials to cut potential deviations.
Another factor they should consider is their design. Manufacturers should account for factors like wall thickness, feature sizes, and support structures to achieve proper printing and dimensional accuracy. Optimising the design for additive manufacturing allows manufacturers to reduce the risk of distortion or deformation as well as maintain their intended dimensions.
Dimensional control in additive manufacturing can also be effective if proper calibration is achieved. Regular calibration of the printers can guarantee accurate and consistent operations. One calibration technique that can be carried out is adjusting parameters like nozzle height, extrusion rate, and build platform level to ensure precise deposition of the printing material. Fine-tuning the machine and printer parameters like layer thickness, print speed, and temperature can also help in acquiring the desired dimensional accuracy of the parts.
Other factors that can influence dimensional control in additive manufacturing are post-processing and quality assurance. Post-processing techniques like sanding, polishing, or chemical treatments can be done to refine the surface finish and improve the dimensional accuracy of the objects. Laser scanners and coordinate measuring machines can also be used to verify the final dimensions of the objects and ensure their compliance with design specifications. Quality assurance can then be achieved through 3D scanning or metrology.
Major Applications of Dimensional Control
Once all factors have been considered, dimensional control can conveniently cater to a range of applications involving additive manufacturing. Some of these applications are as follows:
• Prototyping: Additive manufacturing can be utilised for rapid prototyping, allowing designers and engineers to quickly iterate and test their designs before moving into production. Dimensional control then ensures that the printed prototypes accurately represent the intended dimensions and features of the final product.
• Custom Manufacturing: Additive manufacturing can also be used for producing highly customised products, such as personalised medical implants, dental prosthetics, or unique consumer goods. To meet the specific requirements and dimensions of each product, dimensional control must be carried out.
• Small-Batch Production: Dimensional control in additive manufacturing is particularly advantageous for small-batch production, where traditional manufacturing methods may not be cost-effective. It can be effective since consistency and accuracy are maintained when producing multiple copies of the same part, minimising variability.
Dimensional control in additive manufacturing is the process of maintaining the desired dimensions and tolerances of 3D-printed parts. By implementing and integrating dimensional control, manufacturers can produce high-quality, accurate, and reliable 3D-printed parts for various applications and industries like construction, electronics, and automotive.
