Toolpaths for additive manufacturing of functionally graded materials (FGM) parts
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose an evaluation of toolpaths for additive manufacturing of functionally graded materials (FGM) parts to ensure the manufacturing of parts in compliance with the desired material distribution. The selection of an appropriate path strategy is critical when manufacturing FGM parts.
Design/methodology/approach
The selection of a path strategy is based on a process modeling and an additive laser melting (ALM) system control. To do that, some path strategies are selected, simulated and compared.
Findings
The comparison of some paths strategies was applied on a study case from the biomedical field. Test-parts were manufactured and analyzed. Results show a good correlation between the simulated and the deposited material distributions. The evaluation of toolpaths based on the process modeling and the system control was validated.
Originality/value
Nowadays, FGM parts manufactured with ALM processes are not functional. To move from these samples to functional parts, it is necessary to have a global approach of the manufacturing procedure centered on the path planning. Few methodologies of path planning are adapted to FGM parts but are still limited.
Keywords
Citation
Muller, P., Hascoet, J.-Y. and Mognol, P. (2014), "Toolpaths for additive manufacturing of functionally graded materials (FGM) parts", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 20 No. 6, pp. 511-522. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-01-2013-0011
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited