Torsion Testing Machine for Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for verifying material properties of additively manufactured articles are time-consuming and inefficient, requiring significant lead time and additional processing steps before testing can be completed.
Innovation Solution
A torsion testing machine and method that allow for the simultaneous build and testing of additively manufactured test articles on a build plate, using a torsion motor and torque sensor to apply and measure torque, enabling early verification of material properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tensile testing is used to verify material properties of additively manufactured articles, then material properties can be verified, but the lead time is long and additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The test article is additively manufactured on the build plate along with the production parts, before the production parts undergo post-processing. This preliminary manufacturing of the test article enables testing to occur earlier in the workflow, reducing the lead time for material property verification while maintaining reliable testing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The build plate is segmented into production parts and test articles, allowing the test articles to be processed and tested separately and earlier than the production parts. This segmentation enables the test articles to be removed and tested while the production parts continue through post-processing, eliminating the waiting time that would otherwise be required
2Reliability
If tensile testing is used to verify material properties, then material properties can be verified, but additional processing steps are required before testing
Solution Approach 1:
The test article is manufactured with pre-formed test regions and attachment features during the additive manufacturing process itself, before production parts undergo post-processing. This preliminary formation of test-specific geometries eliminates the need for separate machining operations to create test coupons, reducing the number of processing steps required
Solution Approach 2:
The test article is designed as a separate segment with dedicated test regions that can be tested independently of the production parts. This segmentation allows the test article to be prepared and tested with minimal processing, as the test-specific features are already formed during additive manufacturing rather than requiring subsequent machining or preparation steps
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the lead time for verifying material properties, allows for immediate feedback on potential machine failures, and eliminates the need for additional processing steps, thereby enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the additive manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
A torsion motor and shaft can be configured to mate with and torqued the at least one test article
Implementation Method 2
A torque sensor can be operatively connected to the torsion motor to determine a torque applied by the torsion motor to the test article
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A system can include a torsion applicator (e.g., a torsion motor and shaft) configured to apply a torque to a test article that is additively built on and attached to a build plate (103). The system can include at least one twist sensor and at least one torque sensor. A method for determining quality of an additively manufactured article or batch thereof can include torsion testing at least one additively manufactured test article that is built on and attached to a build plate (103) while the at least one test article is still attached to the build plate (103).