Browse Topic: Advanced manufacturing

Items (1,195)
The application of AI/ML techniques to predict truck endgate bolt loosening represents a major innovation for the automotive industry, aligning with the principles of Industry 4.0. Traditional physical testing methods are both expensive and time-consuming, often identifying issues late in the development process and necessitating costly design changes and prototype builds. By harnessing AI/ML, manufacturers can now analyze endgate slam and bolt preload data to accurately forecast potential bolt loosening issues. This predictive capability not only enhances quality and safety standards but also significantly reduces the costs associated with tooling and builds. The AI/ML tool described in this paper can simulate a variety of load conditions and predict bolt loosening with over 90% accuracy, considering factors such as changes in loads, bolt diameters, washer sizes, and unexpected masses added to the endgate. It provides valuable design insights, such as recommending optimal bolt
Sivakrishna, MasaniDas, MahatSingh, AbhinavKarra, ManasaShienh, GurpreetLuebke, Amy
In area of modern manufacturing, ensuring product quality and minimizing defects are utmost important for maintaining competitive advantage and customer satisfaction. This paper presents an innovative approach to detect defect by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) models trained using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) data. Traditional defect detection methods often rely on physical inspection, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. The conventional method of developing an AI model requires a physical part data, By utilizing CAD data, the time to develop an AI model and implementing it to production line station can be saved drastically. This approach involves the use of AI algorithms trained on CAD models to detect and classify defects in real-time. The field trial results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in various industrial applications, highlighting its potential to revolutionize defect detection in manufacturing.
Kulkarni, Prasad RameshSahu, DilipJoshi, ChandrashekharKhatavkar, AkshayPoddar, ShivaniDeep, Amar
This paper presents a bidirectional digital twin developed for the Fischertechnik Smart Factory Kit, enabling real-time simulation and validation of production line modifications prior to actual deployment. The digital twin integrates with a Siemens Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to mirror real-world operations, capturing live production data and visualizing key factory parameters, such as product, process, and resource metrics within a 3D environment. Engineers can test various optimization scenarios by adjusting robot speed and path, conveyor speeds, part & process sequences, and modifying equipment layout sizes to enhance efficiency. Based on the optimization scenarios, the best-performing configurations are identified using metrics such as throughput, cycle time, and resource utilization. Once validated, these changes are directly deployed to the PLC, ensuring seamless implementation. Beyond capacity optimization, this solution enhances overall production efficiency by
Kumar, RahulSingh, Randhir
Virtual Reality technology is emerging as a transformative solution in the manufacturing industry. It offers significant advantages over traditional tools like Tecnomatix Process Simulate in assembly & ergonomic simulations. Analysis using PS is time-consuming and lacks real-time human interaction as it relies on detailed modelling and sequential workflows, which will delay the identification of assembly no-build conditions and ergonomic issues. This paper evaluates the time and the cost-saving potential of VR in assembly processes and explores its role in minimizing the need for physical prototypes across various stages of vehicle development. VR provides interactive environments, enabling interaction with 3D models and real-time collaboration with various teams across the globe. This leads to faster identification of assembly process flaws, quicker iteration cycles, and a reduced need for physical prototypes in the station development process for the lines. VR allows individuals to
Nagendran, Rakesh Kumar
Researchers have pioneered a 3D printing method that grows metals and ceramics inside a water-based gel, resulting in exceptionally dense, yet intricate constructions for next-generation biomedical technologies.
This specification covers a corrosion- and heat-resistant nickel alloy in the form of pre-alloyed powder.
AMS AM Additive Manufacturing Metals
King, Wayne E.Khan, SamirAbdul Hamid, Umar Zakir
In recent decades, vehicles have evolved from mere means of individual transportation to something much more meaningful. They are no longer mere metal bodies housing combustion engines, but now play a complex role in people’s lives, encompassing emotional, aesthetic, and symbolic aspects. These factors influence consumers’ choice of a model, brand, or version. Based on a literature review of the global automotive sector, including brand literature, scientific articles, and current automotive news, this study aims to analyze the main design and positioning trends adopted by large multinationals in the market. Using the Jeep Renegade as a case study, three design proposals for the model are illustrated and presented as follows: a “facelift,” a “new generation,” and a “concept vehicle.” Next, these design trends are conceptualized, initially illustrating the respective sketches and drafts, which take into account market positioning and the different options for the models presented in
Camilo, Pedro GomesGamarra Rosado, Victor OrlandoGuidi, Erick Siqueira
Fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing has proven to be an affordable method for producing customized and lightweight parts and an accessible method to validate new composite materials. As a rapid prototyping method, it can be used to manufacture and replace defective and/or damaged parts in places with limited infrastructure or logistical support. However, the layer-by-layer deposition inherent to the FFF process introduces anisotropy and residual stresses, which can compromise part performance under high temperatures or vibrational loads. This article aims to analyze the failure of a 3D printed intake runner and address the problems found. The analyzed part was 3D printed in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which had a high volumetric contraction during the printing process. Although ABS exhibits a high heat deflection temperature (HDT) compared to other polymers, prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures during operation led to unintentional embrittlement, reducing
Oliveira, Vinícius deHoriuchi, Lucas NaoMagalhaes, GabrielAlcantara, Nathan deGonçalves, Ana PaulaSouza, MarianaPolkowski, Rodrigo
Additive manufacturing is one of the pillars of technologies of the industry 4.0 and enables rapid prototyping, testing of new materials, and customized manufacturing of parts with personalized design. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a bio-based and biodegradable polymer that is used in packaging, medical applications, and consumer goods. However, it presents low mechanical strength and thermal stability, which limits its use in automotive parts. The use of reinforcement materials such as cellulose nanofibers (CNF) aim to increase the mechanical strength and thermal stability of PLA without reducing its ecological appeal. However, the addition of nanofibers in the 3D printing process can lead to reproducibility problems and constant clogging of the extruder nozzle due to the material’s lower printability. These difficulties may restrict its application to industrial processes due to reduced productivity. To address the challenges in the production of automotive parts with PLA/CNF composites
Oliveira, ViníciusHoriuchi, Lucas NaoGonçalves, Ana PaulaSouza, MarianaPolkowski, Rodrigo
This specification covers preforms fabricated up through 22.0 inches (560 mm), inclusive, in deposition width thickness (see 2.4) using a wire-fed plasma arc directed energy deposition (PA-DED) additive-manufacturing process on a Ti-6Al-4V substrate that are subjected to post-deposition stress-relief heat treatment. If required by the cognizant engineering organization (CEO), preforms may require subsequent machining to meet requirements for their intended final part application.
AMS AM Additive Manufacturing Metals
In view of the complex intertidal terrain challenges faced by offshore wind power maintenance, this paper optimizes the lightweight design of multi-terrain tracked vehicles. The structure was optimized by finite element analysis, and the maximum stress was 211.68 MPa ( lower than the safety limit of 230 MPa), and the maximum deformation was 5.25 mm, which ensured the stability and stiffness. Titanium alloy has the advantages of high strength, low density and corrosion resistance, which improves the durability of the frame while reducing the weight of the frame. Advanced manufacturing technologies such as phase transformation superplastic diffusion welding optimize the connection between TC4 titanium alloy and stainless steel. Modal analysis and optimization techniques refine the structural parameters and improve the complex load performance. The research promotes the lightweight of the frame and provides theoretical and technical support for the design of multi-terrain vehicles.
Xu, HanXu, ShilinMa, WenboZhu, Wei
This specification covers an aluminum alloy in the form of pre-alloyed powder.
AMS AM Additive Manufacturing Metals
As demand for microcomponents has escalated in diverse areas of automotive, medicine, communications, electronics, optics, biotechnology, and avionics industries, there is a need for hybrid manufacturing techniques that can effectively micromachine hard and brittle materials. Electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) is an advanced manufacturing process for machining difficult-to-cut materials. With a need for precision and accuracy, tool kinematics is a potential research area in ECDM for achieving geometrical dimensioning and tolerances (GD&T). Therefore, the present study reviews the ultrasonic vibration–assisted ECDM (UA-ECDM) hybrid process and the performance of its process parameters (voltage, electrolyte type and its concentration, electrode material, pulse duration, and amplitude) on the material removal rate (MRR), tool electrode wear (TEW), surface integrity, and difficult-to-cut materials. Also, the present work mentions current problems (debris and bubbles trapped
Prajapati, Mehul S.Lalwani, Devdas I.
AFP can build complex, lightweight structures, but cost concerns keep its use in the automotive industry to a minimum. For now, anyway. Ramy Harik, a Fulbright alumnus and director of the Clemson Composites Center, is pushing the boundaries of manufacturing with his latest book, Automated Fiber Placement: Status, Challenges, and Evolution coauthored with Alex Brasington. The book, published by SAE in June of 2025, serves as a comprehensive guide to automated fiber placement (AFP), a cutting-edge technology crucial for building complex, lightweight structures in the aerospace and automotive industries. The book aims to offer a thorough understanding of AFP's transformative potential for students, engineers, and industry professionals. The book synthesizes a decade of research, explaining how AFP supports the rise of advanced air mobility and sustainable structures for commercial and defense aircraft, space habitats, and beyond.
Blanco, Sebastian
NASA has developed a novel approach for macroscale biomaterial production by combining synthetic biology with 3D printing. Cells are biologically engineered to deposit desired materials, such as proteins or metals, derived from locally available resources. The bioengineered cells build different materials in a specified 3D pattern to produce novel microstructures with precise molecular composition, thickness, print pattern, and shape. Scaffolds and reagents can be used for further control over material product. This innovation provides modern design and fabrication techniques for custom-designed organic or organic-inorganic composite biomaterials produced from limited resources.
This specification establishes process controls for the repeatable production of sintered parts by binder jet additive manufacturing (BJAM). It is primarily intended to be used to manufacture metallic or ceramic aerospace parts, but usage is not limited to such applications.
AMS AM Additive Manufacturing Metals
This specification covers particle size classifications and corresponding particle size distribution requirements for metal powder feedstock conforming to a classification.
AMS AM Additive Manufacturing Metals
This specification establishes process controls for the repeatable production of aerospace parts by EB-DED-Wire. It is intended to be used for metal aerospace parts produced by additive manufacturing (AM), but usage is not limited to such applications.
AMS AM Additive Manufacturing Metals
Aluminum-lithium alloys are extensively used across various industries due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, excellent fatigue/corrosion resistance and good thermal stability. These attributes, combined with improved weldability and ease of fabrication, make them ideal for lightweight engineering applications in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and defense. Additive manufacturing (AM) offers unique opportunities to fully leverage the potential of aluminum-lithium alloys by enabling the fabrication of complex geometries, minimizing material waste, and supporting on-demand production. This paper explores the significance of lightweight materials, traces the evolution of aluminum-lithium alloys and provides a comprehensive overview of their AM. It discusses the properties and real-world applications of these alloys and examines various AM techniques employed in their processing. Key advancements in the AM of aluminum-lithium alloys are reviewed, including novel alloy
Santhana Babu, A.V.Antony Benson, B.Danusha, M.
In order to meet the demand for the transformation of traditional manufacturing industries into intelligent manufacturing, a virtual monitoring system for the production workshops of nuclear - key products has been built. There are problems such as poor environment, long distance and remote collaborative office in this production workshop, and managers lack information tools to master the workshop status in real time. In order to minimize the harm of nuclear radiation to the human body, in view of the problems of low transparency, poor real - time performance and low data integration in traditional two - dimensional forms, configuration software and video monitoring, a remote monitoring system for virtual workshops driven by digital models has been developed. This system realizes the remote dynamic display of real - time information in the workshop based on data collection and three - dimensional modeling technologies. Virtual monitoring technology improves the management efficiency of
Wu, YimingChen, RuiLi, Na
Manufacturers need pragmatic guidance when choosing network protocols that must balance responsiveness, high data throughput, and long-term maintainability. This paper presents a step-by-step, criteria-driven framework that scores protocols on six practical dimensions, real-time behavior, bandwidth, interoperability, security, IIoT readiness, and legacy support and demonstrates the approach on both greenfield and brownfield scenarios. By combining vendor specifications, peer-reviewed studies, and field experience, the framework delivers transparent, weighted rankings designed to help engineers make defensible deployment choices. This paper explores how network protocols can be mapped to different layers of the automation pyramid, ranging from field-level communication to enterprise-level. For example, Profinet is shown to be highly effective for time-critical applications such as robotic assembly and motion control due to its deterministic, real-time ethernet capabilities. Meanwhile
Tarapure, Prasad
This paper presents a novel approach to automated robot programming and robot integration in manufacturing domain and minimizing the dependency on manual online/offline programming. Traditional industrial robots programming is typically done by online programing via teach pendants or by offline programming tools. This presents a major challenge as it requires skilled professionals and is a time-consuming process. In today’s competitive market, factories need to harness their full potential through smart and adaptive thinking to keep pace with evolving technology, customer demand, and manufacturing processes. This requires ability to manufacture multiple products on the same production line, minimum time for changeovers and implement robotic automation for efficiency enhancement. But each custom automation piece also demands significant human efforts for development and maintenance. By integrating the Robot Operating System (ROS) with vision-based 3D model generation systems, we address
Hepat, Abhijeet
With the global increase in demand for construction equipment, companies face immense pressure to produce more products in a competitive and sustainable way by utilizing advanced manufacturing technologies. Additionally, the need for data analytics and Industry 4.0 is increasing to take better decisions early in the development cycles and during the production phase. Advanced manufacturing processes & adopting Industry 4.0 is the only viable solution to address these challenges. However, the implementation of advanced manufacturing processes in heavy fabrication and construction equipment factories has been slow. A significant challenge is that the products being produced were originally designed for conventional manufacturing processes. When factories are becoming smart and connected through Industry 4.0 solutions, companies must reconsider many established assumptions about advanced manufacturing processes and their benefits. To maximize efficiency gains, improve safety standards
Bhorge, PankajSaseendran, UnnikrishnanRodge, Someshwar
Automotive industry frequently uses 3D printed plastic proto parts during new product development phases as it bypasses the high tooling investment & development time at early part development stage. However, for some application, 3D printing technique & its limited material options are not fulfilling the required material properties in the part, resulting poor performance during product testing which may mislead the design engineer during validation process. To overcome this, we introduce a novel approach in constructing injection molding tool by 3D printing the core and cavity using Stereolithography (SLA). This enables production of parts with application-recommended material grades, facilitating traditional validation and increasing stakeholder confidence. This paper compares part quality from 3D printed molds against conventional metallic molds for a shifter gear housing cover, demonstrating a 45% reduction in tooling costs and a 75% decrease in tooling development time. Mold life
Gandhi, Sorna RajendranGunduboina, Chaitanya
Recent advancements in energy efficient wireless communication protocols and low powered digital sensor technologies have led to the development of wireless sensor network (WSN) applications in diverse industries. These WSNs are generally designed using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee and Wi-Fi communication protocol depending on the range and reliability requirements of the application. Designing these WSN applications also depends on the following factors. First, the environment under which devices operate varies with the industries and products they are employed in. Second, the energy availability for these devices is limited so higher signal strength for transmission and retransmission reduces the lifetime of these nodes significantly and finally, the size of networks is increasing hence scheduling and routing of messages becomes critical as well. These factors make simulation for these applications essential for evaluating the performance of WSNs before physical deployment of
Periwal, GarvitKoparde, PrashantSewalkar, Swarupanand
Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has transformed manufacturing by enabling the creation of complex geometries with ease. Yet, optimizing the mechanical performance of printed parts remains a challenge, especially when balancing strength, material usage, and print time. Traditional mechanical testing in additive manufacturing often relies on specimens with 100% infill, overlooking the design potential of variable infill densities. This study introduces a novel approach by explicitly modeling internal infill structures in CAD (Creo Parametric) across a range of densities (10% to 100%) and validating their mechanical behavior through both finite element analysis (FEA) in ANSYS and standardized physical testing (ASTM D638 for tensile, ASTM D695 for compressive, and ASTM D790 for flexural properties). Unlike prior studies that rely on slicer-generated infill patterns, this method enables precise control and repeatability in simulation and testing. The results demonstrate how
Salgar, ManojkumarPatil, Anup
The present study examines the influence of process parameters on the effect of strength and crystalline properties of AlSi10Mg alloy with laser sintered process. A detailed work was carried out with the effects of varying the laser power, scan speed, and hatch distance on crystalline structure, hardness, and surface roughness. From the analysis, the improved surface quality and mechanical performance were achieved with a scan speed of 1200 mm/s, a laser power of 370 W, and a hatch distance of 0.1 mm. An increase in hardness, improved surface finish, and reduced porosity was observed with decreased hatch distance. However, the balanced results were obtained for scanning speed of 1200 mm/s and laser power of 370 W. The ideal processing conditions decreased the crystalline size, increasing the overall material strength, when crystalline analysis was carried out. The higher scanning speeds supported improved grain refinement and heat diffusion, with the poor hardness value. With the lower
Shailesh Rao, A.
RMIT University Melbourne, Australia
Innovators at NASA Johnson Space Center have developed additively manufactured thermal protection system (AMTPS) comprised of two printable heat shield material formulations. These formulations are directly applied by 3D printer or other robotic extrusion system and bonded to a spacecraft to devise a heat shield suitable for atmospheric entry. This technology could significantly decrease heat shield or thermal protection system (TPS) fabrication cost and time.
Nylon, Teflon, Kevlar. These are just a few familiar polymers — large-molecule chemical compounds — that have changed the world. From Teflon-coated frying pans to 3D printing, polymers are vital to creating the systems that make the world function better.
Researchers have developed a smart, self-powered magnetoelastic pen that could help detect early signs of Parkinson’s by analyzing a person’s handwriting. The highly sensitive diagnostic pen features a soft, silicon magnetoelastic tip and ferrofluid ink — a special liquid containing tiny magnetic particles.
A research team at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has developed a 3D-printed implant to deliver electrical stimulation to injured areas of the spinal cord offering a potential new route to repair nerve damage. Details of the 3D-printed implant and how it performs in lab experiments have been published in the journal Advanced Science.
ETH Zurich Zurich, Switzerland
Celebrating its 35th year, the National Aerospace Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (Nadcap) continues to advance quality assurance and regulatory compliance for aviation, defense, and space OEMs and suppliers. This article summarizes how Nadcap accreditation works, its benefits for manufacturers, and its role in expanding additive manufacturing through industry-wide consensus. The Nadcap program was first established in 1990 by a small group of aerospace and defense OEMs. Their goal was to create an accreditation initiative that provides a common approach to auditing the manufacturing and production processes used by companies supplying parts, components, structures, and services to major aerospace and defense OEMs. This foundation set the stage for Nadcap's continued focus on quality assurance and regulatory compliance in the industry.
In modern defense manufacturing, achieving technological superiority hinges on both rapid decision-making and unparalleled precision engineering. Advanced machining systems, such as 5-axis CNC machines, play a pivotal role by enabling the production of intricate, free-form geometries with micron-level accuracy. However, these advances often necessitate deep domain expertise for optimal tool selection and machining parameter configuration. This paper introduces GraphLLM, a model-agnostic approach that integrates structured knowledge graphs with large language models (LLMs) to enhance the accuracy and reliability of technical responses. By automatically extracting domain-specific entities and relationships from documents, GraphLLM mitigates LLM hallucinations and improves performance, especially in technically challenging or out-of-distribution queries. Experimental evaluations across various LLaMA models demonstrate significant uplifts of 25%, highlighting the framework’s potential to
Hoang, DannyGorsich, DavidCastanier, MatthewImani, Farhad
The usage of additively manufactured (AM) notched components for fatigue-critical applications presents non-trivial challenges, such as the ubiquitous presence of volumetric defects in AM parts. Volumetric defects accelerate fatigue crack nucleation, impact short crack growth, and are near-impossible to fully eliminate. This study investigated the synergistic effects of volumetric defects and notch geometry on the fatigue behavior of L-PBF AlSi10Mg and 17-4 PH SS notched specimens. The criticality of the defects on fatigue behavior is investigated using a non-destructive evaluation technique. A classical linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) approach was modified and used to quantify the effects of several factors including notch geometry, defects’ size, and location, on the fatigue crack initiation behavior. The modified LEFM approach utilized X-ray computed tomography data and linear elastic finite element analysis of local stresses in different notch geometries; to calculate and
Poudel, ArunPegues, JonathanLowney, MatthewShao, ShuaiShamsaei, Nima
Additive Manufacturing is currently being utilized to improve military readiness by transforming maintenance operations and the supply chain associated with repairing or replacing parts or components on legacy vehicles. The National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University is collaborating with the Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center in the creation of a rapid qualification framework for various additive manufacturing materials and processes to support the modernization and sustainment of ground vehicles. Currently, a rapid qualification 17-4PH stainless steel material is being executed utilizing Laser Powder Bed Fusion and Direct Energy Deposition additive manufacturing processes. Prior to entering the rapid qualification, pre-qualification screening studies are performed to select the feedstock and develop process control to limit risk within the qualification. An overview of the pre-qualification screening studies performed in selecting the feedstock and heat
Tomblin, JohnAndrulonis, RachaelSaathoff, BrandonThomas, AnnikaDaharsh, ColeLowney, MatthewWalker, Eric
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