Automated Postprocessing of 3D-printed Multi-Material Polymer Parts Through a Robot-Based Modular System and Control Architecture

Automating the production of 3D-printed polymer parts must be based on a modular and highly flexible system and control architecture to meet
the volatile demands of the customer market. Therefore, the additive-subtractive production system was integrated into an automated workflow
with a customized user interface. The process chain includes postprocessing steps like support structure removal and smoothing. To enhance the
automation potential, a modular control system architecture is proposed. This allows flexible integration and control of a wide range of different
... mehrpostprocessing modules. For functional parts with soluble support structures, the printer can process up to four materials simultaneously. The
successful implementation of a printing process is shown. The integrated robot can access up to nine additional modules through a linear axis. A
3D scanner with a bin-picking application enables it to recognize and handle parts between different modules. Furthermore, an approach for the
effective joining of additively manufactured parts within tight tolerances of 0.05 mm is shown

"Automating the production of 3D-printed polymer parts must be based on a modular and highly flexible system and control architecture to meet
the volatile demands of the customer market. Therefore, the additive-subtractive production system was integrated into an automated workflow
with a customized user interface. The process chain includes postprocessing steps like support structure removal and smoothing. To enhance the
automation potential, a modular control system architecture is proposed. This allows flexible integration and control of a wide range of different
... mehr
postprocessing modules. For functional parts with soluble support structures, the printer can process up to four materials simultaneously. The
successful implementation of a printing process is shown. The integrated robot can access up to nine additional modules through a linear axis. A
3D scanner with a bin-picking application enables it to recognize and handle parts between different modules. Furthermore, an approach for the
effective joining of additively manufactured parts within tight tolerances of 0.05 mm is shown."