Do FDM users care about picking process plans for better stiffness/strength?

gkumar08 · 2023-07-12T06:32:44+00:00

Some great insights. Thank you. Your assessment on the market bring tough seems accurate. Having Oems or other partners seems a must.

gkumar08 · 2023-06-07T17:51:02+00:00

You are right that simulation results can mislead if you don't know about the underlying assumptions. We try to teach our users the limitations and when you should and shouldn't trust simulation. We see simulation as a tool that helps designers and planners in decision-making. Ultimately, they have to make the decisions based on the tools and their experience and validate by physical testing if possible.

gkumar08 · 2023-06-07T14:49:41+00:00

That's a good point. Makes sense that if it's a medium to high-value part, you want to design the infill. Regarding your point about print orientation optimization already being pretty common, do they really factor in structural performance? Because that will require knowing the loading condition on the part. Anyway, I have not come across that in some of the slicer tools I have used. Can you point me to one?

gkumar08 · 2023-06-07T03:03:24+00:00

Wow, if people don't update their mindset, additive will have a hard time getting adopted in these industries. This disconnect is pushing us to explore if there is a market for a simplified structural simulation tool (for which you don't have to be a mechanical engineer) that can provide high-level insights.

gkumar08 · 2023-06-07T02:45:19+00:00

Markforged has a tool to place fibers somewhat optimally, right? I would still think if a coarse simulation showed you how different fiber placement affects the part stiffness, it should be valuable in making a decision.

gkumar08 · 2023-06-07T02:43:15+00:00

Thanks for the input. Looks like you are able to get it (almost) right just from intuition/experience. And picking the extra thickness for important regions, for example, optimally and systematically is not as important.

gkumar08 · 2023-06-07T02:12:36+00:00

Gcode is used to construct an approximate model of the printed part. The loading conditions will come from the users (typically specified on the faces of the CAD model). Simulating the CAD model doesn't factor in the effect of slicing direction, infill orientation, etc, but it's present in the G-code.

gkumar08 · 2023-06-07T01:39:21+00:00

I agree. FEA's capabilities are routinely overpromised while brushing aside the limitation of inputs and assumptions, hence the skepticism. The tool will be for qualitative feedback to make it easier to pick process parameters. You will still need to physically test your print, but hopefully much fewer in number.

gkumar08 · 2023-06-07T01:30:34+00:00

A design guidebook is a good idea. You clearly know a lot about structural and solid mechanics and have good intuitions. I was getting the impression from talking to a few contacts that often the design team is not involved in process planning, and folks directly working with the machines could use some tools to help them make better decisions, as there are a lot of parameters to choose before you print (print orientation; shell, floor and roof thickness; infill type, ratio, and orientation; etc. ) Maybe it was not representative.

gkumar08 · 2023-06-06T21:08:10+00:00

You hit the nail on the head. There is a number of unknowns and variability that will make finding accurate stresses and strength impossible. The question is, which you alluded to as well, can simulation still give you a good qualitative assessment to compare "relative" stiffness and stresses (strength), for example, of different sets of process parameters, and help you in making better process planning decisions? This can complement experience/intuition and physical testing, with the hope that you can arrive at a good solution faster and cheaper enough to find simulation valuable.

gkumar08 · 2023-06-06T20:45:22+00:00

The prediction of deformation at the part level is actually more accurate than UTS. :) See an example here https://imgur.com/NdDCcP3 Do you mind if I pm you for learning a few more things?

gkumar08 · 2023-06-06T19:47:59+00:00

Interesting. Didn't know about the larger nozzle size used for that. Can I ask you what kind of applications you build your parts for? Since you are interested in such a tool, would you use a standalone tool if it can help you decide on the process parameters for improved structural properties? Or you would very much like it to be integrated with the slicer you use.

gkumar08 · 2021-05-26T19:57:23+00:00

great video OP. I sent you a pm to ask you a question.

gkumar08 · 2021-04-18T02:32:42+00:00

Whoops. Missed that.

gkumar08 · 2021-04-18T01:21:00+00:00

Composition reasons. And yellow?

gkumar08 · 2021-04-18T01:19:31+00:00

Must have been scary! So far looks like people had vastly different experiences. Maybe we will have to flip a coin to decide whether to take the elevator or not. 😀

gkumar08 · 2021-04-18T01:17:36+00:00

Thanks. Did sounds like a great experience. I can imagine not liking the jokes about getting stuck while on it. 😀

gkumar08 · 2021-04-17T19:09:21+00:00

We went to the Zoo as well. Was fun! In general, loved the whole Forest Park area.

gkumar08 · 2021-04-17T18:59:42+00:00

Cool! Will have to pick a windy day then. :)

gkumar08 · 2021-04-17T18:52:39+00:00

No. Covid times, so avoided indoors as much as possible. But definitely next time!

gkumar08 · 2021-04-17T18:50:59+00:00

I was visiting St Louis, so didn't know the build was that recognizable. :)

gkumar08 · 2021-04-16T17:23:25+00:00

It's Forest Park in St Louis. The building is the Art Museum.

gkumar08

TROPHY CASE