Search Results (2)

Enhanced multipoint moulding with additive attachments (EMMA) is a process combining vacuum-assisted multipoint moulding (VAMM) and additively manufactured moulding attachments for carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) component production. The aim of this initial study is to investigate the mouldability of the additively manufactured attachments on the multipoint tool. For this purpose, two different test specimens were defined, the VAMM machine was adjusted, the attachments were additively built with the robot on the curved silicone interpolation layer and lastly, the CFRP specimens were moulded. The fabrication results were analysed with surface comparisons to check that there was no displacement of the attachments during moulding. A visual evaluation of the manufactured components was carried out, and the overall dimensional accuracy was assessed by comparing the surface with the target geometry. The results showed a very good agreement between the shapes before and after the moulding and thus prove that the attachments were not postponed in the moulding process. The optical evaluation confirms good moulding results for the parts manufactured with the enhanced multipoint moulding with additive attachments. Moreover, the evaluation shows that the major parts of the specimens comply with the permissible tolerance of t = 6 mm defined in ISO 20457. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first study that has investigated the entire EMMA process and systematically proved the mouldability of the additively manufactured attachments on multipoint tools. Full article

Additive manufacturing has become a very important manufacturing method in the last years. With additive manufacturing, a higher level of function integration can be achieved compared to traditional manufacturing technologies. However, the manufacturing of larger parts leads to long construction times. A possible solution is the combination of multipoint moulding with additive manufactured form elements. This article reviews the state of technology for multipoint moulding and additive manufacturing. Moreover, the state of technology is analysed to outline the possibilities and challenges of combining both technologies. The review shows that there has been research on different challenges of the new production process. On the other hand, it turns out clearly that there are many open points at the intersections of both technologies. Finally, the areas where further research is necessary are described in detail. Full article