Title: Evaluation of additive manufacturing technologies for dimensional and geometric accuracy

Authors: Abdulrahman Al-Ahmari; Mohammed Ashfaq; Syed Hammad Mian; Wadea Ameen

Addresses: Princess Fatima Alnijiris's Research Chair for Advanced Manufacturing Technology (FARCAMT Chair), Advanced Manufacturing Institute, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia; Industrial Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia ' Princess Fatima Alnijiris's Research Chair for Advanced Manufacturing Technology (FARCAMT Chair), Advanced Manufacturing Institute, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia ' Princess Fatima Alnijiris's Research Chair for Advanced Manufacturing Technology (FARCAMT Chair), Advanced Manufacturing Institute, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia ' Princess Fatima Alnijiris's Research Chair for Advanced Manufacturing Technology (FARCAMT Chair), Advanced Manufacturing Institute, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia; Industrial Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: In spite of numerous benefits offered by additive manufacturing, their primary applications are limited to prototyping. A number of unresolved issues can be cited, which have curtailed their implementation. Among serious problems faced by AM are poor dimensional and geometric accuracy as well as low surface finish. Henceforth, further expansion and better performance entail an increased understanding of AM systems. A wide range of AM technologies, with variations in accuracy and surface finish is available in the market. Most often, the accuracy of AM machines do not persistently conform to the assertions of manufacturer, and thereby desired accuracy is difficult to attain. The goal of this work is to evaluate different AM processes. The most popular processes: fused deposition modelling (solid-based), stereolithography (liquid-based) and electron beam melting (powder-based) are evaluated. This study has been undertaken to provide engineers and designers with useful information about the expected accuracy from different AM systems.

Keywords: additive manufacturing; AM; 3D printing; fused deposition modelling; FDM; stereolithography; SLA; electron beam melting; EBM; benchmarking; accuracy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2019.097665

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2019 Vol.58 No.2/3, pp.129 - 154

Received: 01 Dec 2017
Accepted: 30 Jun 2018
Published online: 04 Feb 2019 *

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