Conference Agenda

Hybrid manufacturing enables to overcome additive manufacturing (AM) constraints regarding the maximum feasible part dimension and/or complexity through part separation and subsequent adhesive joining of AM sub-parts. To ensure structural integrity of the joint at a minimum use of substrate volume, the AM inherent freedom of design can be exploited by realizing 3D micro scarf adhesive joints. The performance of this novel adhesive joint design was assessed by conducting optical measurements and static tensile tests using samples fabricated by laser-based powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M).

The growing use of additive manufacturing (AM) processes pushes research towards studying methods to reduce their environmental impact. The part build orientation is a significant process variable, which can be chosen through the Energy Performance Assessment (EPA), a straightforward method. The paper presents a method for identifying the best part build orientation considering energy consumption. The EPA has been adapted for this purpose, resulting in an approach based on four steps. The method was employed to determine the best printing direction for three parts and two AM technologies.

The production of reusable gecko-inspired dry adhesives has traditionally been done with complex nanofabrication methods such as lithography and PDMS casting. This article presents a way of producing and testing dry adhesive samples using consumer-grade AM machines and equipment typically available in a Makerspace. The samples produced exhibit adhesive properties depending on the preload and surface structure, and we conclude that consumer-grade AM is suitable for rapid prototyping and testing of dry adhesion. However, it is limited by the scale and accuracy compared to traditional methods.

In 3D printing, calibration is crucial for accurate prints, particularly those with complex or intricate features. This paper focuses on developing, manufacturing, and testing a benchmarking model to assess the dimensional accuracy of 3D printers. The aim is to evaluate the 3D printed model against a universally recognized real-world equivalent – a LEGO® brick – using its interlock function as a test with an engaging element. An interlock benchmarking framework aids further analysis of the model's performance, and a checklist for the model is provided for additional visual analysis.

In recent years, interest in additive manufacturing has increased. To overcome challenges such as the correct use of the technology, guidelines are needed to help the user in the fabrication process. However, such guidance is not currently available for all applications. This paper dives into design methods in AM and their transfer to an application example in the field of medical technology. The aim of this paper is to analyse the transferability of a design method for vessel models to small vessel models. To this end, an initial printing study is carried out on simplified hollow structures.