Geometry and procedure for benchmarking SFF and hybrid fabrication process resolution

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share with the solid freeform fabrication community a new procedure and benchmark geometries for evaluating SFF process capabilities. The procedure evaluates the range capability of various SFF and SFF‐based hybrid processes in producing rod and hole elements.

Design/methodology/approach

By following the procedure and using the appropriate combination of benchmark parts the user can determine the minimal rod and hole size capabilities of an SFF or SFF‐based process. Benchmark parts are designed to capture feature size limitations, build angle problems, and aspect ratio capabilities.

Findings

The geometries and procedure were found to work for evaluating simple rod and hole elements resulting from SFF‐based processes.

Research limitations/implications

Future work could address slot and wall features using a similar procedure. Mechanical properties and performance of resulting parts are not within the scope of this procedure.

Practical implications

The procedure and benchmaking geometries could be employed for a range of scales down to the nano scale. The use of this procedure will lead to practical design inputs for the SFF‐based fabrication of components consisting of optimized lattice structures.

Originality/value

Limited published benchmarking procedures are available to the SFF community. This is the first systematic procedure proposed to evaluate SFF processes for “Rod” and “Hole” capabilities.

Citation

Gervasi, V.R., Schneider, A. and Rocholl, J. (2005), "Geometry and procedure for benchmarking SFF and hybrid fabrication process resolution", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 11 No. 1, pp. 4-8. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552540510573338