Comsol Case Studies Optimizing 3D Printing Techniques with Simulation Apps

	Optimizing 3D Printing Techniques with Simulation Apps Comsol

Optimizing 3D Printing Techniques with Simulation Apps

Comsol

Technology Category	Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics Functional Applications - Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Applicable Industries	Aerospace
Applicable Functions	Product Research & Development Quality Assurance
Use Cases	Digital Twin Manufacturing System Automation Predictive Maintenance
Services	Software Design & Engineering Services System Integration
Challenge	One of the challenges of shaped metal deposition (SMD) is that thermal expansion of the molten metal can deform the cladding as it cools, resulting in a final product that is different than what was anticipated. To predict the outcome of a proposed design, it is necessary to either minimize the deformations or alter the design to account for them. This requires solving a time-dependent coupled thermomechanical analysis that predicts residual thermal stresses and deformation, which arise from SMD thermal cycles. Read More
About Customer	The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, UK, provides a unique environment for developing cutting-edge technologies into manufacturing processes. By bringing together the UK's leading academics, engineers, and industry professionals, the MTC helps bridge the gap between concept and industry. Their members include over 80 organizations, such as BAE Systems, GKN, HP, GM, Airbus, and Rolls Royce. The MTC allows clients to develop new manufacturing processes in a safe, neutral industrial setting without the constraints of a commercial production environment. Read More
Solution	The MTC has leveraged the Application Builder to more efficiently communicate complex design ideas across multiple simulation and process departments. This allows app users to easily explore the outcome of proposed designs. The app includes predefined parametric geometries and allows for custom geometry imports. It enables users to experiment with various geometries, heat sources, deposition paths, and materials without concern for the underlying model complexities. The app is currently being used by team members at the MTC who do not have the simulation experience to independently explore different parts and projects for their customers. This has freed up skilled resources and increased the availability of simulation experts. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics

Functional Applications - Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

Applicable Industries

Aerospace

Applicable Functions

Product Research & Development

Quality Assurance

Use Cases

Digital Twin

Manufacturing System Automation

Predictive Maintenance

Services

Software Design & Engineering Services

System Integration

Challenge

One of the challenges of shaped metal deposition (SMD) is that thermal expansion of the molten metal can deform the cladding as it cools, resulting in a final product that is different than what was anticipated. To predict the outcome of a proposed design, it is necessary to either minimize the deformations or alter the design to account for them. This requires solving a time-dependent coupled thermomechanical analysis that predicts residual thermal stresses and deformation, which arise from SMD thermal cycles.

About Customer

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, UK, provides a unique environment for developing cutting-edge technologies into manufacturing processes. By bringing together the UK's leading academics, engineers, and industry professionals, the MTC helps bridge the gap between concept and industry. Their members include over 80 organizations, such as BAE Systems, GKN, HP, GM, Airbus, and Rolls Royce. The MTC allows clients to develop new manufacturing processes in a safe, neutral industrial setting without the constraints of a commercial production environment.

Solution

The MTC has leveraged the Application Builder to more efficiently communicate complex design ideas across multiple simulation and process departments. This allows app users to easily explore the outcome of proposed designs. The app includes predefined parametric geometries and allows for custom geometry imports. It enables users to experiment with various geometries, heat sources, deposition paths, and materials without concern for the underlying model complexities. The app is currently being used by team members at the MTC who do not have the simulation experience to independently explore different parts and projects for their customers. This has freed up skilled resources and increased the availability of simulation experts.

Impact #1	The Application Builder has enabled more efficient communication of complex design ideas across multiple departments.
Impact #2	Users can now easily experiment with various geometries, heat sources, deposition paths, and materials.
Impact #3	The app has freed up skilled resources by allowing team members without simulation experience to explore different parts and projects.

Impact #1

The Application Builder has enabled more efficient communication of complex design ideas across multiple departments.

Impact #2

Users can now easily experiment with various geometries, heat sources, deposition paths, and materials.

Impact #3

The app has freed up skilled resources by allowing team members without simulation experience to explore different parts and projects.

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Overview

Optimizing 3D Printing Techniques with Simulation Apps

Operational Impact