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Implementation of a design support tool for additive manufacturing using a feature database: an industrial case study

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Abstract

Feature databases for additively manufactured (AM) designs have been identified as a promising tool to support engineers during the design process. This paper investigates the implementation of such a system by conducting an industrial case study. It provides empirical insights for implementing AM feature databases in industrial practice and a quantitative assessment of its impact on the design process. First, the process of formalizing a firm’s current AM design knowledge is described. By screening existing AM designs, recurring design elements are identified and structured within a feature taxonomy. The technical implementation of the tool is presented with a focus on the database structure and feature parametrization. The twofold repository consists of a web-based cataloguing system for feature look-up and a CAD integration for feature import and modification. The application of the tool in a real development project demonstrated that the feature database supports designers throughout the development process by providing prior validated and scalable design elements. Both development time and cost were reduced by decreasing the number of iterations necessary to achieve a robust design in the detailed design phase. The database also facilitated the conceptual design phase by widening the individual design space of the designer through inspirational input.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Christoph Klahn and David Ochsner for their support and feedback.

Funding

The study was funded by Innosuisse Swiss Innovation Agency (Grant number 27654.1 PFIW-IW).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Inspire AG, Zurich, Switzerland

    Daniel Omidvarkarjan

  2. Product Development Group Zurich pd|z, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

    Daniele Cipriano, Manuel Biedermann & Mirko Meboldt

  3. ALPA Capaul and Weber AG, Zurich, Switzerland

    Ralph Rosenbauer

Authors
  1. Daniel Omidvarkarjan
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  2. Daniele Cipriano
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  3. Ralph Rosenbauer
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  4. Manuel Biedermann
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  5. Mirko Meboldt
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Correspondence to Daniel Omidvarkarjan.

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Omidvarkarjan, D., Cipriano, D., Rosenbauer, R. et al. Implementation of a design support tool for additive manufacturing using a feature database: an industrial case study. Prog Addit Manuf 5, 67–73 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40964-020-00119-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40964-020-00119-5

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