Hybrid Additive Manufacturing – Process Chain Correlations and Impacts

Abstract

In Additive Manufacturing (AM), numerous approaches on design guidelines for parts and production layouts are proposed, while technology continues evolving. Although singular AM process chains can be achieved with reasonable effort, post-processing remains a predominant factor in limiting design opportunities. Considering components on feature level, individual sections show different degrees of complexity, which allow the demand-oriented implementation of conventional/unconventional processes. Thus, combining additive and subtractive manufacturing with semi-finished products provides a promising approach for efficient process chain design. Regarding challenges and potentials mentioned above, this contribution presents a systematic overview to determine process-specific and cross-process interrelations within process chain design.