CNC Mechanical Testing of Additive Specimens In Line

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional testing of additively manufactured components requires excessive time, cost, and complexity due to the need for off-line destructive and non-destructive inspection techniques, which are not integrated with the manufacturing process.

Innovation Solution

A computer numerically controlled machine is equipped with tool holders and control circuitry to perform mechanical tests on specimens directly, allowing for in-line assessment of material quality by executing test toolpaths and obtaining data on mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If off-line destructive and non-destructive inspection techniques are used to test additively manufactured components, then material quality can be assessed, but excessive time, cost, and complexity are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial quality assessmentVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the manufacturing process and testing process into a single integrated system. The CNC machine that manufactures additive components also performs mechanical tests on the same component without removing it from the machine, merging two previously separate operations into one unified process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The CNC machine is equipped with multiple tools including both manufacturing tools (milling, turning, drilling) and testing tools (tensile testing, compression testing, hardness testing) to perform multiple functions. This allows the same machine to both manufacture and test components, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If off-line inspection techniques are used to test additively manufactured components, then material quality can be assessed, but cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial quality assessmentVSAvoidtesting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the manufacturing process and testing process into a single integrated system. The CNC machine that manufactures additive components also performs mechanical tests on the same component without removing it from the machine, merging two previously separate operations into one unified process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The CNC machine is equipped with multiple tools including both manufacturing tools (milling, turning, drilling) and testing tools (tensile testing, compression testing, hardness testing) to perform multiple functions. This allows the same machine to both manufacture and test components, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If conventional off-line testing methods are used, then material properties can be measured, but the process requires excessive time and resources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical properties measurementVSAvoidtesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing process occurs continuously during manufacturing without interruption. The component is tested at various stages of manufacturing (during layer-by-layer construction, after intermediate steps, or upon completion) without removing it from the CNC machine, maintaining continuous productive action throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Testing is performed at intermediate stages during manufacturing rather than only after complete fabrication. This preliminary testing allows for real-time quality verification and potential process adjustments while the component is still being manufactured, improving overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12584835B2Computer numerically controlled machine systems and methods for mechanically testing additive manufactured specimens

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 DMG MORI CO LTD

AI summary

Methods and systems for testing a material quality executed by a computer numerically controlled machine include a carrier plate coupled to a first tool holder of the computer numerically controlled machine, the carrier plate including a first test specimen formed of an additive manufacturing material, a testing tool coupled to a second tool holder of the computer numerically controlled machine, the testing tool including a specimen interface, and engaging the first test specimen with the specimen interface of the testing tool. Relative movement between the first and second tool holders causes the testing tool to execute a first test toolpath relative to the first test specimen, during which is obtained a first set of test data indicative of mechanical properties of the first test specimen.