Build Time and Cost Estimation of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Processes for Metal Additive Manufacturing
Open Access
- Author:
- Midea, Matthew
- Area of Honors:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Timothy W. Simpson, Thesis Supervisor
Anne Elizabeth Martin, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- 3D Printing
Metal
direct metal laser sintering
additive manufacturing
Powder Bed Fusion
Model
cost - Abstract:
- Metal additive manufacturing has changed substantially over the past few decades with advancements and improvements to the different layer-by-layer processes available. A common issue when considering whether or not to additively manufacturing a component is that most cost models are theoretical in nature, and they assume that the build time is known. Without accurate build time information, however, cost estimates will be erroneous, and sound economic decisions cannot be made. This research develops a cost model that takes in easily available data about a part, specifically its volume and height along with material, and outputs the cost of a build on different laser powder bed fusion systems used for metal additive manufacturing. Specifically, this project examines the EOS M 280, Renishaw AM250, Renishaw AM400, and Renishaw RenAM 500Q. Build time data was collected from various sources, including a Renishaw Solutions Center that additively manufactures parts for companies, and comparisons were made between the different platforms. A build time model was designed from the data from the four PBF systems. This build time model was utilized in the creation of a new cost model that does not require build time to be known. Using these models, builds with known dimensions and materials could have their costs estimated for the EOS M 280, Renishaw AM250, Renishaw AM400, and Renishaw RenAM 500Q. Future studies could inspect the differences between this model and one with other systems from other manufacturers.