1,721,026 research outputs found
Topology Optimization of Polymer-Based Bending Tools Manufactured via Additive Technology: Numerical and Experimental Validation
No full textSheet metal forming is a widely used manufacturing process, but the high cost and long production time of traditional forming tools limit its flexibility, especially for prototyping and small-batch production. Additive manufacturing offers a promising alternative, enabling the rapid and cost-effective fabrication of customized tools. In this study, bending tools were produced using Fused Filament Fabrication and optimized through a topology optimization approach. A combined experimental and numerical approach was applied to validate standard tool geometries and extract load conditions for use in a topology optimization process. The resulting optimized punch and die achieved a mass reduction of approximately 50% while maintaining structural integrity and safety factors well above critical thresholds. Finite Element Analysis revealed an increase in elastic deformation and stress concentration in non-critical regions, without compromising tool functionality. Experimental tests with the optimized tools confirmed their suitability for sheet metal bending, although a decrease of about 2° in the bending angle and an increase in variability were observed, consistent with simulation results. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using topology-optimized polymer tools for low-volume forming applications, offering a lightweight, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to traditional metal tooling
Optimization of laser micromachining process for biomedical device fabrication
No full textLaser machining is commonly used for fabrication of medical devices with microscale features, including vascular stents, drug delivery devices, and scaffolds for tissue engineering with controlled pore size and porosity. The process can also be used to produce structured scaffolds for controlling cell growth, orientation, and location. Moreover, lasers may be used to fabricate complex channel nets in which cells are subsequently seeded or to pattern channels for microfluidic devices. Traditionally, these micro devices were fabricated using silicon substrates, but recently the use of titanium allowed to produce more robust devices at a reasonable cost. In particular, the high quality surfaces that can be obtained with laser machining reduce the liquid flow turbulence and avoid micro cavities formation, critical for bacteria proliferation. The present research reports the results of an investigation on the process capability of laser ablation to produce micro pockets fabricated on titanium sheet (0.5 mm thick). A first experimental campaign was designed for identifying a set of laser ablation cycles able to realize the micro pockets by changing the process parameters as scanning speed, laser power, q-switch frequency, loop number, and duty cycle. Moreover, a process optimization was executed in order to produce the pockets with a highly flat surface. The results were acquired by a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) to obtain high-resolution images with depth selectivity and were analyzed with statistic methods for the identification of the best parameter configuratio
Post treatment strategy on laser irradiation for recovering deformation induced by laser hardening
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Lo spot apparente: una tecnica innovativa di trattamento termico laser per componenti assialsimmetrici
No full textBurr reduction method in microdrilling of metal sheets by Poly Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA) coating
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