This thesis covers the process of automating the design of coolant nozzles used for cylindrical grinding. Coolant nozzles are used to supply coolant, an oil and water mixture used to cool the metal workpiece and lubricate the grinding wheel. In the automotive industry, grinding is used to reduce the surface roughness of the workpiece. However, a large amount of heat is generated, risking the heat treatment of the steel to be compromised, for this, coolant is supplied to minimize the heat caused by friction. A nozzle is used, aiming a jet to the zone that generates heat. Commonly used nozzles are adjustable, leading to variation in cooling performance if misaligned. The design of fixed nozzles is developed in this thesis to reduce variation and automatise the design for multiple applications. The automatically designed nozzles are fused deposition modeled and tested. The design automation tool is tested repeatedly and improved successively in the span of the thesis. This lead to a great extent of implementation of design automation. Which lead to a facilitation in reaching of the work zone and avoid obstacles. Also, the tool managed to create nozzle tubes for a multitude of machines. The tool is able to generate, aim, orient, and individually dimension multi-nozzle tubes. Design of Experiment methodology is implemented to find nozzle designs with improved velocity and flow rate and minimize the air mixture with the coolant. Several nozzle designs are tested and fitted into a surrogate model that is, in turn, optimized. The results of the tests led to a greater understanding of how the nozzle geometry restricts the flow rate when attempts of reaching higher velocities of the coolant jet are made. The surrogate models created, also made it possible to find the range of designs which best suits different applications, whereby a Pareto front was able to be populated with a range of different designs alternating in flow rate, velocity and coherency ratio.

Nature develops several materials with remarkable functional properties composed of comparatively simple base substances. Biological materials are often composites, which optime the conformation to their function. On the other hand, synthetic materials are designed a priori, structuring them according to the performance to be achieved. 3D printing manufacturing is the most direct method for specific component production and earmarks the sample with material and geometry designed ad-hoc for a defined purpose, starting from a biomimetic approach to functional structures. The technique has the advantage of being quick, accurate, and with a limited waste of materials. The sample printing occurs through the deposition of material layer by layer. Furthermore, the material is often a composite, which matches the characteristics of components with different geometry and properties, achieving better mechanical and physical performances. This thesis analyses the mechanics of natural and custom-made composites: the spider body and the manufacturing of metallic and non-metallic graphene composites. The spider body is investigated in different sections of the exoskeleton and specifically the fangs. The study involves the mechanical characterization of the single components by the nanoindentation technique, with a special focus on the hardness and Young's modulus. The experimental results were mapped, purposing to present an accurate comparison of the mechanical properties of the spider body. The different stiffness of components is due to the tuning of the same basic material (the cuticle, i.e. mainly composed of chitin) for achieving different mechanical functions, which have improved the animal adaptation to specific evolutive requirements. The synthetic composites, suitable for 3D printing fabrication, are metallic and non-metallic matrices combined with carbon-based fillers. Non-metallic graphene composites are multiscale compounds. Specifically, the material is a blend of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) matrix and different percentages of micro-carbon fibers (MCF). In the second step, nanoscale filler of carbon nanotubes (CNT) or graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) are added to the base mixture. The production process of composite materials followed a specific protocol for the optimal procedure and the machine parameters, as also foreseen in the literature. This method allowed the control over the percentages of the different materials to be adopted and ensured a homogeneous distribution of fillers in the plastic matrix. Multiscale compounds provide the basic materials for the extrusion of fused filaments, suitable for 3D printing of the samples. The composites were tested in the configuration of compression moulded sheets, as reference tests, and also in the corresponding 3D printed specimens. The addition of the micro-filler inside the ABS matrix caused a notable increment in stiffness and a slight increase in strength, with a significant reduction in deformation at the break. Concurrently, the addition of nanofillers was very effective in improving electrical conductivity compared to pure ABS and micro-composites, even at the lowest filler content. Composites with GNP as a nano-filler had a good impact on the stiffness of the materials, while the electrical conductivity of the composites is favoured by the presence of CNTs. Moreover, the extrusion of the filament and the print of fused filament fabrication led to the creation of voids within the structure, causing a significant loss of mechanical properties and a slight improvement in the electrical conductivity of the multiscale moulded composites. The final aim of this work is the identification of 3D-printed multiscale composites capable of the best matching of mechanical and electrical properties among the different compounds proposed. Since structures with metallic matrix and high mechanical performances are suitable for aerospace and automotive industry applications, metallic graphene composites are studied in the additive manufacturing sector. A comprehensive study of the mechanical and electrical properties of an innovative copper-graphene oxide composite (Cu-GO) was developed in collaboration with Fondazione E. Amaldi, in Rome. An extensive survey campaign on the working conditions was developed, leading to the definition of an optimal protocol of printing parameters for obtaining the samples with the highest density. The composite powders were prepared following two different routes to disperse the nanofiller into Cu matrix and, afterward, were processed by selective laser melting (SLM) technique. Analyses of the morphology, macroscopic and microscopic structure, and degree of oxidation of the printed samples were performed. Samples prepared followed the mechanical mixing procedure showed a better response to the 3D printing process in all tests. The mechanical characterization has instead provided a clear increase in the resistance of the material prepared with the ultrasonicated bath method, despite the greater porosity of specimens. The interesting comparison obtained between samples from different routes highlights the influence of powder preparation and working conditions on the printing results. We hope that the research could be useful to investigate in detail the potential applications suitable for composites in different technological fields and stimulate further comparative analysis.

Exoskeletons are wearable devices that enhance or supplement the user’s natural abilities. They have been demonstrated to be efective in alleviating pain, reducing work related injuries, improving working conditions, and can play a pivotal role in improving recovery times and recovery outcomes. Commercial exoskeletons are expensive, specialised and not easily accessible to the average user. This thesis describes the design and manufacturing processes for the OpenXO, an open-source knee exoskeleton. The focus of the thesis is the design and manufacture of the exoskeleton drive system. It implements a cycloidal drive design. Additionally, a method of designing tapered crossed roller bearings was developed that allows for easy integration into elements of the drive system. The open source aspect is further supported by designing the OpenXO around commercially available additive manufacturing technologies. Rapid prototyping and iterative test-based design methods were used in conjunction with empirical testing and validation of both the design and manufacturing methods. Performance validations were conducted on an unpowered exoskeleton. The tests focus on ease of use and comfort. Validation on the exoskeleton and its components was performed at various stages during the design process. The resulting drive design was signifcantly lighter than commercially available solutions. The stator design implemented allows for press ft accuracy between the rotor and stator while allowing for smooth rotation. The fully assembled exoskeleton was tested by 5 individuals. All participants performed tasks to test the usability the exoskeleton in common day to day activities. The participants managed to perform several tasks with ease. However, the exoskeleton was prone to misalignment in specifc circumstances. Gait analysis on a user wearing the exoskeleton shows that the exoskeleton does infuence gait patterns. However, the user does not experience signifcant impact on their perceived range of motion. These tests do not demonstrate the efectiveness of the exoskeleton when it comes to powered assistance. Further work is needed to test and validate the powered assist functionality of the exoskeleton. / Eksoskeletonit ovat puettavia laitteita, jotka parantavat tai täydentävät käyttäjän luonnollisia kykyjä. Niiden on osoitettu olevan tehokkaita kipujen lievittämisessä, työtapaturmien vähentämisessä, työolosuhteiden parantamisessa ja niillä voi olla keskeinen rooli paranemisaikojen ja toipumistulosten parantamisessa. Kaupalliset eksoskeletonit ovat kalliita, erikoistuneita eivätkä tavallisen käyttäjän helposti saatavilla. Tämä opinnäytetyö kuvaa avoimen lähdekoodin polven eksoskeleton OpenXO:n suunnittelu-ja valmistusprosessit. Erityisesti painopiste on sykloidiseen käyttöjärjestelmään perustuvan ulkopuolisen tukirankajärjestelmän suunnittelussa ja valmistuksessa. Lisäksi kartiorullalaakereiden suunnittelumenetelmä kehitettiin siten, että se mahdollistaa helpon integroinnin käyttöjärjestelmän elementteihin. Avoimen lähdekoodin näkökulmaa tuetaan edelleen suunnittelemalla OpenXO kaupallisesti saatavilla olevien lisäaineiden valmistustekniikoiden ympärille. Nopeaa prototyyppiä ja iteratiivisia testipohjaisia suunnittelumenetelmiä käytettiin sekä suunnittelu-että valmistusmenetelmien empiirisen testauksen ja validoinnin yhteydessä. Suorituskyvyn validointi suoritettiin tehottomalla eksoskeletonilla 5 vapaaehtoisen poolissa. Testit suuntautuivat arjen yleisten toimintojen ympärille ja keskittyivät pääasiassa helppokäyttöisyyteen ja käyttömukavuuteen. Eksoskeleton ja sen komponenttien validointi suoritettiin suunnitteluprosessin eri vaiheissa. Tuloksena saatu käyttörakenne oli huomattavasti kevyempi kuin kaupallisesti saatavilla olevat ratkaisut. Toteutettu staattorin rakenne mahdollisti roottorin ja staattorin välisen puristussovituksen tarkkuuden säilyttäen samalla tasaisen pyörimisen. Osallistujat onnistuivat suorittamaan suurimman osan tehtävistä helposti. Eksoskeleton oli kuitenkin altis kohdistusvirheelle tietyissä olosuhteissa. Eksoskeletonia käyttävän käyttäjän kävelyanalyysi osoittaa, että ulkoinen luuranko vaikuttaa kävelykuvioihin, mutta käyttäjä ei koe merkittävää vaikutusta havaittuun liikerataan. Siitä huolimatta tarvitaan lisätyötä eksoskeletonin tehollisen aputoiminnon testaamiseksi ja validoimiseksi. / <p>Presentation conducted online via the Zoom video conferencing platform.</p>

Purpose: This paper will present insight to the methodology and results of the experimental characterization of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). The work in this research explored the effects of print orientation, surface treatment, and ultraviolet (UV) light degradation with the utilization of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) on ABS tensile specimens. Design/methodology: ABS specimens were printed at three build orientations (flat (0 degrees), 45 degrees, and up-right (90 degrees)). Each of these specimens were treated with three different surface treatments including a control (acrylic paint, Cyanoacrylate, and Diglycidyl Bisphenol A) followed by exposure to UV light to the respective batches. This experiment design will provide tensile direction properties with the effect of thermoset coatings and UV degradation. Dogbone FDM specimens based on ASTM standard D638 type IV were printed on a Stratasys Dimension SST (Soluble Support Technology) 1200es 3D Printer and loaded into a MTS Landmark Servohydraulic Test Systems. Analysis was preformed on the fracture section of the tensile specimens utilized DIC and comparing Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and Ultimate Fracture Strength (UFS). Findings: From the results UV light did not play a large factor in the strength of the specimens. The print orientation showed the largest anisotropic behavior where some specimens experienced as much as a 54% difference in ultimate tensile strength. Thermoset coated specimens experienced a maximum of 2% increase in strength for the Cyanoacrylate and Diglycidyl Bisphenol A specimens where the acrylic paint and natural did not. Several findings were of value when looking at the stress strain plots. Originality/value: This paper provides knowledge to the limited work on print build orientation, thermoset coatings and, UV light on ABS specimens. Very little to no work has been done on these three properties. This paper can serve as the foundation of future work on external applications on ABS plastics.

No description available.

[ES] Actualmente se usan varios materiales poliméricos para aplicaciones médicas. Debido a la facilidad de poder fabricar formas complejas, que con otros métodos es difícil realizarlas, se usa cada vez con más frecuencia la manufactura aditiva (MA) con materiales poliméricos. El proceso de fabricación aditiva por extrusión de material (MEX), es el proceso de MA más utilizado debido al bajo coste de los equipos, la facilidad de acceso a los materiales (filamento de impresión 3D) y la relativamente baja complejidad de la técnica con respecto a otras tecnologías de procesamiento de polímeros. Estos materiales deben ser compatibles con el cuerpo humano y se requiere que las partes impresas en 3D sean resistentes a los procesos de esterilización, para evitar cualquier tipo de infección o contaminación. Los procesos de esterilización por calor húmedo (MH) y calor seco (DH) son los más usados en el campo de la medicina y son asequibles incluso en instalaciones de baja complejidad. Sin embargo, varios de estos materiales poliméricos, disminuyen sus propiedades mecánicas, térmicas y reológicas y/o cambian dimensionalmente al ser sometidos a los procesos de esterilización. Algunos materiales poliméricos biocompatibles usados para aplicaciones médicas que se encuentran disponibles a nivel comercial en forma de filamento 3D para MA, como el poli(ácido láctico) (PLA), presentan alta resistencia mecánica y rigidez. Sin embargo, su fragilidad impide su uso extendido y esta fragilidad puede ser incluso mayor después de someter a los materiales a procesos de esterilización. Para investigar los efectos de estos dos métodos de esterilización, se imprimieron por MEX algunos especímenes de ensayo con filamentos comerciales de baja temperatura de fusión como el polietileno tereftalato glicol reforzado con fibra de carbono (PETG-CF), poli (ácido láctico) (PLA), CPE , PLA Smartfill®, y un material compuesto elaborado a partir de PLA y reforzado con hidroxiapatita (PLA-HA). Asimismo, se imprimieron por MEX materiales comerciales de alto punto de fusión como el policarbonato (PC), nylon (PA) y polipropileno (PP). Para caracterizar los materiales antes y después de los procesos de esterilización se realizaron pruebas mecánicas, térmicas, termo-mecánicas y ópticas para determinar el efecto de los procesos de impresión sobre cada tipo de material y verificar si las propiedades finales cumplen los requisitos para aplicaciones médicas. Se utilizó la espectroscopia infrarroja por transformada de Fourier (FTIR) para identificar los cambios químicos en los grupos funcionales de las muestras impresas y esterilizadas. Luego, se realizó un estudio morfológico por estereomicroscopio y microscopio electrónico de barrido (SEM) para estudiar los cambios de las muestras debido a los procesos de esterilización. Finalmente, en el caso del polipropileno se hizo la descripción del modelo reológico usando el modelo de Cross-WLF para inferir en las condiciones de procesamiento por MA. En general se encontró que los materiales como el nylon (PA), el polipropileno (PP) y el policarbonato (PC) pueden soportar los procesos de esterilización por calor, por lo que podrían emplearse para el desarrollo de materiales para prótesis y/u otras prestaciones médicas. Por su parte, el PETG reforzado con fibra de carbono, el CPE, el PLA, el PLA Smartfill® y el PLA reforzado con hidroxiapatita (PLA-HA) varían dimensionalmente después de los procesos de esterilización, afectando las propiedades mecánicas de las partes impresas. Por lo tanto, no se recomiendan para su aplicación en prótesis esterilizadas mediante los dos procesos de esterilización estudiados. Sin embargo, el PLA Smartfill® que es más fácil de procesar que los otros PLAs estudiados (PLA y PLA-HA) y que presenta menor contracción durante los procesos de esterilización, podría ser utilizado para aplicaciones que no permanecerán en el cuerpo humano y que requieren menores prestaciones mecánicas, como por ejemplo en guías de cirugía / [CA] Actualment s'usen diversos materials polimèrics per a aplicacions mèdiques,. A causa de la facilitat de poder fabricar formes complexes, que amb altres mètodes és difícil realitzar-les, s'usa cada vegada amb més freqüència la manufactura additiva (MA) amb materials polimèrics acceptats per a aplicacions mèdiques. El procés de fabricació additiva per extrusió de material (MEX), és el procés de MA més utilitzat a causa de el baix cost dels equips, la facilitat d'accés als materials (filament d'impressió 3D) i la relativament baixa complexitat de la tècnica respecte a altres tecnologies de processament de polímers com l'extrusió, emmotllament per injecció, etc. Aquests materials han de ser compatibles amb el cos humà i es requereix que les parts impreses en 3D siguin resistents als processos d'esterilització, per evitar qualsevol tipus d'infecció o contaminació, la qual cosa s'aconsegueix mitjançant el procés d'esterilització. Els processos d'esterilització per calor humida (MH) i calor seca (DH) són els més usats en el camp de la medicina i són assequibles fins i tot en instal·lacions de baixa complexitat (exemple: dispensaris, consultoris, etc.). No obstant això, diversos d'aquests materials polimèrics, disminueixen les seves propietats mecàniques, tèrmiques i reològiques i / o canvien dimensionalment a l'ésser sotmesos als processos d'esterilització. Alguns materials polimèrics biocompatibles usats per a aplicacions mèdiques que es troben disponible a nivell comercial en forma de filament 3D per MA, com el àcid polilàctic (PLA), presenten alta resistència mecànica i rigidesa. No obstant això, la seva fragilitat impedeix el seu ús estès i aquesta fragilitat pot ser fins i tot major després de sotmetre els materials a processos d'esterilització. Per a investigar els efectes d'estos dos mètodes d'esterilització, es van imprimir per MEX alguns espècimens d'assaig amb filaments comercials de baixa temperatura de fusió com el polietilé tereftalato glicol reforçat amb fibra de carboni (PETG-CF) , poli (àcid làctic) (PLA) , CPE , PLA Smartfill®, i un material compost elaborat a partir de PLA i reforçat amb hidroxiapatita (PLA-HA) . Així mateix, es van imprimir per MEX materials comercials d'alt punt de fusió com el policarbonat (PC) , niló (PA) i polipropileno (PP) . Per a caracteritzar els materials abans i després dels processos d'esterilització es van realitzar proves mecàniques, tèrmiques, termomecàniques i òptiques per a determinar l'efecte dels processos d'impressió sobre cada tipus de material i verificar si les propietats finals complixen els requisits per a aplicacions mèdiques. Es va utilitzar l'espectroscòpia infraroja per transformada de Fourier (FTIR) per a identificar els canvis químics en els grups funcionals de les mostres impreses i esterilitzades. Després, es va realitzar un estudi morfològic per estereomicroscopio i microscopi electrònic d'agranat (SEM) per a estudiar els canvis de les mostres degut als processos d'esterilització. Finalment, en el cas del polipropileno es va fer la descripció del model reológico usant el model de Cross-WLF per a inferir en les condicions de processament per MA. En general es va trobar que els materials com el niló (PA) , el polipropilens (PP) i el policarbonat (PC) poden suportar els processos d'esterilització per calor, per la qual cosa podrien emprar-se per al desenrotllament de materials per a pròtesi y/u altres prestacions mèdiques. Per la seua banda, el PETG reforçat amb fibra de carboni, el CPE, el PLA, el PLA Smartfill® i el PLA reforçat amb hidroxiapatita (PLA-HA) varien dimensionalment després dels processos d'esterilització, afectant les propietats mecàniques de les parts impreses. Per tant, no es recomanen per a la seua aplicació en pròtesi esterilitzades per mitjà dels dos processos d'esterilització estudiats. No obstant això, el PLA Smartfill® que és més fàcil de processar que els altres PLAs estudiats (PLA i PLA-HA) i que presenta menor contracció durant els process / [EN] Various polymeric materials are currently used for medical applications. Due to the ease of being able to manufacture complex shapes, which with other methods is difficult to perform, additive manufacturing (MA) with polymeric materials is increasingly used. The additive manufacturing process by material extrusion (MEX), is the most widely used MA process due to the low cost of the equipment, the ease of access to the materials (3D printing filament) and the relatively low complexity of the technique with respect to other polymer processing technologies. These materials must be compatible with the human body and require that the 3D printed parts be resistant to sterilization processes, to avoid any type of infection or contamination. Wet heat (MH) and dry heat (DH) sterilization processes are the most widely used in the medical field and are affordable even in low-complexity facilities. However, these polymeric materials decrease their mechanical, thermal and rheological properties and/or change dimensionally when subjected to sterilization processes. Some biocompatible polymeric materials used for medical applications that are commercially available in 3D filament form for MA, such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), have high mechanical strength and rigidity. However, their fragility prevents their widespread use, and this fragility can be even greater after subjecting the materials to sterilization processes. To investigate the effects of these two sterilization methods, some test specimens with commercial low-temperature melting filaments such as carbon fiber reinforced polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG-CF), poly (lactic acid) (PLA), CPE, Smartfill PLA®, and a material were printed by MEX. compound made from PLA and reinforced with hydroxyapatite (PLA-HA). Commercial high melting point materials such as polycarbonate (PC), nylon (PA) and polypropylene (PP) were also printed by MEX. To characterize the materials before and after the sterilization processes, they performed mechanical, thermal, thermo-mechanical and optical tests to determine the effect of the printing processes on each type of material and verify if the final properties meet the requirements for medical applications. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify chemical changes in the functional groups of printed and sterilized samples. Then, a morphological study was performed by stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) to study the changes of the samples due to sterilization processes. Finally, in the case of polypropylene, the description of the rheological model was made using the Cross-WLF model to infer in the processing conditions by MA. In general, it was found that materials such as nylon (PA),polypropylene (PP) and polycarbonate (PC) can withstand heat sterilization processes, so they could be used for the development of materials for prostheses and / or other medical benefits. Carbon fiber reinforced PETG, CPE, PLA, Smartfill PLA® and hydroxyapatite-reinforced PLA (PLA-HA) varied dimensionally after sterilization processes, affecting the mechanical properties of the printed parts. Therefore, they are not recommended for application in sterilized prostheses by the two sterilization processes studied. However, Smartfill PLA® which is easier to process than the other PLAs studied (PLA and PLA-HA) and which has less contraction during sterilization processes, could be used for applications that will not remain in the human body and that require lower mechanical performance, such as in surgery guides. In this way, the MA by MEX represents a simple and economical technique that can be implemented for the development of materials for custom-designed surgery guides and sterilizable by simple processes such as wet heat and dry heat, available in low complexity medical facilities. / Fuentes Fuentes, JM. (2022). Estudio y diseño de materiales de impresión 3d que soporten los sistemas de esterilización médicos [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/180857

[ES] En los últimos años, la fabricación aditiva a través de la extrusión de materiales ha experimentado un desarrollo y adopción acelerados gracias a la amplia disponibilidad de máquinas y materiales de bajo costo. El tamaño de estas máquinas se ha reducido del tamaño del taller al tamaño del escritorio, lo que permite su uso en configuraciones de oficina o en el hogar. Este cambio ha permitido la adopción de la tecnología por la gama más amplia de usuarios que nunca, con o sin experiencia en diseño de ingeniería. Este nuevo paradigma ha creado el desafío de cómo habilitar que estos nuevos usuarios aprovechen las capacidades proporcionadas por esta tecnología. Esta tecnología permite la creación de geometrías complejas y productos personalizados con un coste inferior a los procesos de fabricación convencionales. Además, la gran cantidad de usuarios dispuestos a compartir sus diseños permite encontrar soluciones de diseño desde otros diseñadores. Sin embargo, la amplia gama de configuraciones de máquina, parámetros y materiales requiere brindar soporte para obtener resultados exitosos para cualquier combinación. Esta tesis aborda este desafío identificando las características de diseño y fabricación a considerar e investigando las consideraciones mecánicas y de pos procesamiento. Se propone y evalúa un nuevo marco de diseño que permite a los nuevos usuarios aprovechar las capacidades y considerar las limitaciones. Esta investigación encuentra que es posible crear un conjunto de herramientas de diseño que permita a los usuarios no capacitados diseñar productos utilizando la complejidad habilitada por la tecnología al tiempo que garantiza la funcionalidad y la capacidad de fabricación del producto. / [CA] En els últims anys, la fabricació additiva a través de l'extrusió de materials ha experimentat un desenvolupament i adopció accelerats gràcies a l'àmplia disponibilitat de màquines i materials de baix cost. La grandària d'aquestes màquines s'ha reduït de la grandària del taller a la grandària de l'escriptori, la qual cosa permet el seu ús en configuracions d'oficina o en a casa. Aquest canvi ha permés l'adopció de la tecnologia per la gamma més àmplia d'usuaris que mai, amb o sense experiència en disseny o enginyeria. Aquest nou paradigma ha creat el desafiament de com habilitar que aquests nous usuaris aprofiten les capacitats proporcionades per aquesta tecnologia. Aquesta tecnologia permet la creació de geometries complexes i productes personalitzats amb un cost inferior als processos de fabricació convencionals. A més, la gran quantitat d'usuaris disposats a compartir els seus dissenys permet trobar solucions de disseny des d'altres dissenyadors. No obstant això, l'àmplia gamma de configuracions de màquina, paràmetres i materials requereix brindar suport per a obtindre resultats reeixits per a qualsevol combinació. Aquesta tesi aborda aquest desafiament identificant les característiques de disseny i fabricació a considerar i investigant les consideracions mecàniques i de post processament. Es proposa i avalua un nou marc de disseny que permet als nous usuaris aprofitar les capacitats i considerar les limitacions. Aquesta investigació troba que és possible crear un conjunt d'eines de disseny que permeta als usuaris no capacitats dissenyar productes utilitzant la complexitat habilitada per la tecnologia al mateix temps que garanteix la funcionalitat i la capacitat de fabricació del producte. / [EN] In recent years, additive manufacturing through material extrusion has experienced accelerated development and adoption thanks to the wide availability of low-cost machines and materials. The size of these machines has been reduced from shop floor to desktop size, enabling their usage in office setups or at home. This change has allowed the adoption of the technology by the broadest range of users than ever, with or without an engineering design background. This new paradigm has created the challenge of how to enable these novel users to leverage the capabilities provided by this technology. This technology allows the creation of complex geometry and customised products with a cost lower than conventional manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the large number of users willing to share their designs allows finding design solutions from other designers. However, the wide range of machine configurations, parameters and materials requires providing support to obtain successful results under any combination. This thesis addresses this challenge by identifying the design and manufacturing characteristics to be considered and investigating the mechanical and post-processing considerations. A new design framework that enables new users to leverage the capabilities and consider the limitations is proposed and evaluated. This research finds that it is possible to create a design toolkit that enables untrained users to design products using the complexity enabled by the technology whilst ensuring the product's functionality and manufacturability. / Fernández Vicente, M. (2022). Analysis to Support Design for Additive Manufacturing with Desktop 3D Printing [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/185344

Nach dem Prinzip synchronisierter Reimwörter wurde ein deutscher dichotischer Hörtest entwickelt und erprobt (Fused Words, FW10b). Die Reliabilitätskennwerte lagen für die innere Konsistenz bei alpha=0,89 und für die Re-Test-Reliabilität im Bereich von r-tt=0,67 bis r-tt=0,87. Der dichotische Test korrelierte hoch mit einem Paralleltest (r=.73, FW12k). In mehreren Untersuchungen fand sich keine Assoziation des dichotischen Lateralisationsergebnisses mit dem Hormonzyklus bei Frauen. Zwischen der Klassifikation im Wada-Test und der Klassifikation im dichotischen Test wurde eine hohe prozentuale Übereinstimmung beobachtet (91%). Auch in einer externen Studie wurde eine hohe Konkordanz mit einem fMRT Paradigma gefunden (97%, Hund-Georgiadis et al 2002). Unter Rechtshändern hatten 70% einen Rechts-Ohr-Vorteil, 23% einen Links-Ohr-Vorteil; bei 7% wurde kein Ohr-Vorteil beobachtet. Es bestand eine hohe Assoziation zwischen dem Lateralitätsquotient der Händigkeit und dem Lateralitätsindex Lambda aus dem dichotischen Test (R=0,76, r=0,72). Bei epilepsiechirurgischen Kandidaten mit links- oder rechtsseitigen Temporallappenläsionen, die alle durch einen Wada-Test als unilateral links-hemisphärisch sprachdominant kategorisiert worden waren, wurden Läsionseffekte analysiert (Hippocampus-Sklerose vs. extra-hippocampale Läsionen). Wie erwartet ergaben sich massive Läsionseffekte für die Patienten mit den Läsionen in der linken sprachdominanten Hemisphäre. In der linken extra-hippocampalen Untergruppe kam es zu einer signifikanten Abnahme der Rechts-Ohr-Punkte und gleichzeitig zu einem signifikanten Anstieg der Links-Ohr-Punkte. Die Einbeziehung von neokortikalen und anderen extra-hippocampalen Strukturen in die temporalen Läsionen war von entscheidender Bedeutung für die Unterdrückung der Antworten vom kontralateralen (rechtsseitigen) Ohr. Die Zunahme der Links-Ohr-Punkte in der Gruppe mit linksseitigen extra-hippocampalen Läsionen deutet eine kompensatorische Verlagerung von Sprachfunktionen auf die rechte Hemisphäre an, die durch den Wada Test nicht erfasst wurde. / Following the principle of synchronized rhyming words a German dichotic listening test was developed and tested (fused words, FW10b). Reliability coefficients for the inner consistency were at alpha=0,89 and for the re-test-reliability between r-tt=0,67 and r-tt=0,87. The dichotic test FW10b was highly correlated with a parallel test (r=.73, FW12k). None of several studies did show any association between the dichotic language lateralization and the hormonal cycle in women. A high percentage of agreement was observed between the Wada classification and the classification by the dichotic test (91%). Furthermore Hund-Georgiadis et al. (2002) found a high percentage of concordance with the lateralization by a fMRI paradigm in an external study (97%). Among right-handers 70% showed a right ear advantage, 23% had a left ear advantage, and 7% had no ear advantage. There was a high association between the laterality quotient of the handedness inventory and the laterality index Lambda of the dichotic listening test FW10b (R=0.76, r=0.72). Lesion effects were analyzed in epilepsy surgical candidates with left and right temporal lobe lesions (hippocampus sclerosis vs. extra-hippocampal lesions), who were all categorized as left-hemispheric language dominant by a Wada-test. As expected, massive lesion effects were apparent in those patients who had their lesions in the left language dominant hemisphere. In the subgroup with left extra-hippocampal lesions there was a significant decrease of right-ear-points and at the same time a significant increase of left-ear-points. The involvement of neocortex and other extra-hippocampal structures in temporal lobe lesions were of crucial importance for the suppression of contralateral (right) ear responses. The elevation of left-ear-points in the left-lateral group indicated a partial compensational shift of language functions to the right hemisphere, which was not detected by the Wada procedure.

3D printing applications have achieved increased success as an additive manufacturing (AM) process. Micro-structure of mechanical/biological materials present design challenges owing to the resolution of 3D printers and material properties/composition. Biological materials are complex in structure and composition. Efforts have been made by 3D printer manufacturers to provide materials with varying physical, mechanical and chemical properties, to handle simple to complex applications. As 3D printing is finding more medical applications, we expect future uses in areas such as hip replacement - where smoothness of the femoral head is important to reduce friction that can cause a lot of pain to a patient. The issue of print resolution plays a vital role due to staircase effect. In some practical applications where 3D printing is intended to produce replacement parts with joints with movable parts, low resolution printing results in fused joints when the joint clearance is intended to be very small. Various 3D printers are capable of print resolutions of up to 600dpi (dots per inch) as quoted in their datasheets. Although the above quoted level of detail can satisfy the micro-structure needs of a large set of biological/mechanical models under investigation, it is important to include the ability of a 3D slicing application to check that the printer can properly produce the feature with the smallest detail in a model. A way to perform this check would be the physical measurement of printed parts and comparison to expected results. Our work includes a method for using ray casting to detect features in the 3D CAD models whose sizes are below the minimum allowed by the printer resolution. The resolution validation method is tested using a few simple and complex 3D models. Our proposed method serves two purposes: (a) to assist CAD model designers in developing models whose printability is assured. This is achieved by warning or preventing the designer when they are about to perform shape operations that will lead to regions/features with sizes lower than that of the printer resolution; (b) to validate slicing outputs before generation of G-Codes to identify regions/features with sizes lower than the printer resolution.

The relatively new and still growing field of 3D-printing has opened up the possibilities to manufacture patient-specific medical devices with high geometrical accuracy in a precise and quick manner. Additionally, biocompatible materials are a demand for all medical applications while biodegradability is of importance when developing scaffolds for tissue growth for instance. With respect to this, this project consisted of developing biocompatible and bioresorbable polymer blend and composite filaments, for fused deposition modeling (FDM) printing. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) were used as supporting polymer matrix while hydroxyapatite (HA), a calcium phosphate with similar chemical composition to the mineral phase of human bone, was added to the composites to enhance the biological activity. PLA and PCL content was varied between 90–70 wt% and 10-30 wt%, respectively, while the HA content was 15 wt% in all composites. All materials were characterized in terms of mechanical properties, thermal stability, chemical composition and morphology. An accelerated degradation study of the materials was also executed in order to investigate the degradation behavior as well as the impact of the degradation on the above mentioned properties. The results showed that all processed materials exhibited higher mechanical properties compared to the human trabecular bone, even after degradation with a mass loss of around 30% for the polymer blends and 60% for the composites. It was also apparent that the mineral accelerated the polymer degradation significantly, which can be advantageous for injuries with faster healing time, requiring only support for a shorter time period.