Various industries have embraced 3D printing for manufacturing on-demand, custom printed parts. However, 3D printing requires intelligent data processing and algorithms to go from CAD model to machine instructions. One of the most crucial steps in the process is the slicing of the object. Most 3D printers build parts by accumulating material layers by layer. 3D printing software needs to calculate these layers for manufacturing by slicing a model and calculating the intersections. Finding exact solutions of intersections on the original model is mathematically complicated and computationally demanding. A preprocessing stage of tessellation has become the standard practice for slicing models. Calculating intersections with tessellations of the original model is computationally simple but can introduce inaccuracies and errors that can ruin the final print. This dissertation shows that a point cloud approach to preprocessing and slicing models is robust and accurate. The point cloud approach to object slicing avoids the complexities of directly slicing models while evading the error-prone tessellation stage. An algorithm developed for this dissertation generates point clouds and slices models within a tolerance. The algorithm uses the original NURBS model and converts the model into a point cloud, based on layer thickness and accuracy requirements. The algorithm then uses a gridding structure to calculate where intersections happen and fit B-spline curves to those intersections. This algorithm finds accurate intersections and can ignore certain anomalies and error from the modeling process. The primary point evaluation is stable and computationally inexpensive. This algorithm provides an alternative to challenges of both the direct and tessellated slicing methods that have been the focus of the 3D printing industry.

Ce travail de thèse s’inscrit dans lecadre du projet « MOMEQA » dont l’objectif est le soutien à l’innovation dans l’industrie horlogère en Franche-Comté. La première impression visuelle conditionne notre relation à l’objet, c’est pourquoi une finition soignée est primordiale. L’électropolissage est un procédéde dissolution électrochimique permettant der éduire la rugosité de surface d’un objet. La pièce traitée constitue l’anode dans une cellule d’électrolyse. La première partie de l’étude est consacrée aux laitons et à l’acier inoxydable 316 L. Une étude électrochimique préliminaire a permis de définir les conditions optimales d’électropolissage pour chaque matériau et milieu. La suite de l’étude a été dédiée à l’étude des comportements des aciers inoxydables 316L de fonderie comme de fabrication additive, afin de mettre en évidence l’influence du procédé de fabrication sur l’aptitude à l’électropolissage. Un dispositif spécialement conçu a également permis de faire varier les conditions hydrodynamiques et d’appliquer des ultrasons,en vue d’optimiser l’agitation. L’obtention d’une finition poli miroir sur des carrures de montres a validé la conception du pilote. Enfin, l’usage d’un électrolyte moins nocif que les mélanges d’acides, le Deep Eutectic Solvent constitué d’un mélange de chlorure de choline et d’éthylène glycol se montre prometteur. L’utilisation de ces olvant non-conventionnel permet d’utiliser des techniques d’analyses de surface impraticables in-situ en milieu très corrosif, tel que l’AFM. Finalement, un modèle décrivant les mécanismes d’électropolissage de l’acier inoxydable 316 L dans les deux milieux a été proposé, qui permet une bonne simulation des résultats de spectroscopie d’impédance électrochimique / This work is part of the project"MOMEQA" whose main purpose is to supportinnovation in watchmaking industry in Franche-Comté. For high-end pieces, the first visualimpression is crucial and that is why a neatfinishing is required. This is achieved byelectropolishing, which consists in anelectrochemical dissolution process that enablessurface roughness reduction. Although it ispresent in several applications, fundamentalmechanisms of electrochemical polishingremain poorly understood and tailoring theprocess to additive manufacturing parts is in itsearly stages. The first part of the study isdedicated to brass and 316L stainless steel.Basic electrolytic baths (H3PO4 for brasses anda H3PO4/ H2SO4 mixture for 316L stainlesssteel) are used as references. A preliminaryelectrochemical study allows the determinationof optimal electropolishing conditions for eachmaterial and medium. A special attention hasbeen paid to characterization methods, such asmicro-roughness, brightness, microstructure,texture and corrosion resistance. Subsequently,the study was restricted to both cast and additivemanufacturing 316L stainless steels, in order toidentify the influence of manufacturing processon the electropolishing ability. To meet theproject requirements, a pilot cell dedicated tolarge area parts was designed and built. The aimwas to study the scale-up as well as the effectsof workpieces shape. The outcome of this studywas the realization of a mirror finish on a watchdial, allowing validation of the pilot-cell design.The last part of our study consists in replicatingthe process in a less harmful electrolyte, a greensolvent (Deep Eutectic Solvent), made by amixture of choline chloride and ethylene glycol.This allows successful electropolishing,compatible with an industrial application.Moreover, it makes possible in-situ AFMmeasurements, impossible in highly corrosiveelectrolytes. Finally, a model forelectropolishing mechanism in the case of 316Lstainless steel was proposed for both media,allowing a good simulation of electrochemicalimpedance spectroscopy behaviour.

Ce mémoire présente la synthèse et la caractérisation du matériau composite Ce-TZP/Al2O3 et l’étude de ce matériau dans une mise en forme par impression 3D de type stéréolithographie (SLA). Le matériau Ce-TZP présente une résistance au vieillissement en milieu aqueux (par transformation martensitique de la phase tétragonale vers la phase monoclinique) accrue en comparaison à Y-TZP. L’ajout d’alumine (Al2O3) comme seconde phase confère au matériau des propriétés mécaniques (résistance à la flexion en particulier) similaires à Y-TZP. La mise en forme par SLA offre la possibilité de fabriquer des objets avec des structures complexes tout en limitant l’utilisation et la perte de matière en comparaison à la fabrication soustractive, bien connue dans le domaine dentaire.Le composite Ce-TZP/Al2O3 a été synthétisé à partir d’une poudre Ce-TZP à laquelle est ajoutée de l’Al2O3 selon deux protocoles : la méthode Pechini modifiée et la méthode Isopropoxyde. Les études dilatométriques et microstructurales des composites ont montré que le matériau obtenu selon la méthode Isopropoxyde était plus homogène. Cette synthèse a donc été sélectionnée pour réaliser l’étude du frittage. Les conditions optimales résultants de cette étude (rampe de 300 °C/h, T°palier de 1500 °C pendant 1h, air), permettent d’atteindre une densité relative de l’ordre de 98% avec une taille de grains submicronique pour les deux phases.Des formulations photoréticulables sous exposition UV, chargées avec ce composite ainsi qu’avec le matériau de référence Y-TZP, ont été développées et étudiées afin de pouvoir mettre en forme ces matériaux par SLA. Avant utilisation dans le procédé, les formulations ont été caractérisées d’un point de vue rhéologique, thermique et également d’un point de vue de la réactivité sous exposition UV. Ces caractérisations ont permis de déterminer l’influence de la nature et de la taille des particules sur la réactivité principalement, paramètre également gouvernée par la composition des résines et notamment par le système amorceur, composé de un ou plusieurs photoinitiateur(s). Pour finir, les pièces fabriquées par SLA ont été frittées et caractérisées d’un point de vue mécanique et microstructural. / This thesis presents the synthesis and characterization of Ce-TZP/Al2O3 composite material and the study of this material in stereolithography process (SLA). Ce-TZP material exhibits an enhanced resistance to low temperature degradation (materialized by the tetragonal/monoclinic phase transformation) compared to Y-TZP. The addition of alumina (Al2O3) as a second phase gives to the material mechanical properties (especially flexural strength) similar to Y-TZP. SLA shaping offers the ability to make objects with complex structures while limiting the use and loss of material compared to subtractive manufacturing, well known in the dental field.The Ce-TZP/Al2O3 composite was synthesized from a Ce-TZP powder mixed with Al2O3 added according to two protocols: the modified Pechini method and the Isopropoxide method. The dilatometric and microstructural studies of the composites have showed that the material obtained by the Isopropoxide method was more homogeneous. This synthesis was therefore selected to carry out the sintering study. The optimal conditions resulting from this study (heating rate of 300 °C/h, T°soak of 1500 °C for 1h, air) allow to reach a relative density of 98 % with a submicron grain size for the two phases.Photocurable under UV exposure formulations, loaded with this composite as well as with the reference material Y-TZP, have been developed and studied in order to be able to shape these materials by SLA. Prior to use in the process, the formulations were characterized from a rheological, thermal and also from a viewpoint of reactivity under UV exposure. These characterizations made it possible to determine the influence of the nature and the size of the particles on the reactivity mainly, also governed by the composition of the resins and in particular by the initiator system, composed of one or more photoinitiator(s). Finally, the parts manufactured by SLA were sintered and characterized from a mechanical and microstructural point of view.

Cette thèse a pour but d’augmenter la durée de vie des moules pour l’injection plastique. Les principaux phénomènes à refréner sont l’usure par abrasion et l’usure par corrosion. Pour ce faire, deux familles de matériaux ont été présélectionnées. Il s’agit des aciers à outils inoxydables et des verres métalliques massifs. Ces travaux détaillent donc la sélection, le développement et la caractérisation d’une nuance pour chacune de ces familles. In fine, cette thèse délivre un nouvel acier adapté à la fabrication additive et aux moules d’injection plastique, allant de l’élaboration de la poudre à l’optimisation des paramètres LBM et de ceux du traitement thermique. Cet acier permet d’offrir un bon compromis en termes de propriétés thermiques, mécaniques et de résistance à la corrosion. Quant au verre métallique massif, ces travaux de thèse démontrent que la nuance choisie permet de conserver suffisamment de matériau amorphe pour induire des propriétés exceptionnelles. / The aim of this thesis is to increase molds lifetime. Mains phenomena to limit are abrasion wear and corrosion. For this purpose, two material families have been preselected. They have been identified among stainless steels and bulk metallic glasses. This work details their selection, development in additive manufacturing and characterization for both materials. In the end, this thesis delivers a new steel grade adapted to the additive manufacturing and plastic injection molds, which affords good corrosion resistance, high hardness and a comparatively good thermal conduction. Concerning the bulk metallic glass, this work shows that the chosen composition allowed to preserve enough amorphous material to induce exceptional properties and give strong hopes to continue in this vein.

As órteses de membro superior são dispositivos que auxiliam na reabilitação da mão e que tem como objetivo estabilizar, imobilizar, prevenir e corrigir deformidades, melhorando assim a função. O processo tradicional de confecção de órteses é realizado por meio do uso de termoplásticos de baixa temperatura, material moldado diretamente sobre o membro do usuário, sendo neste processo relatados inúmeros problemas, que envolvem desconforto durante o processo, alto custo e baixa adesão do paciente ao uso. O presente trabalho, portanto, teve por objetivo propor a construção de um framework com abordagem metodológica projetual para a produção de órteses de membro superior baseada no processo de design e design colaborativo, com auxílio de recursos de fabricação digital, como digitalização tridimensional e manufatura aditiva (impressão 3D). Através de uma pesquisa exploratória, foram discutidas questões relativas ao projeto de órteses de membro superior (MMSS) pela forma tradicional, utilizando termoplástico de baixa temperatura, e questões do processo de design no desenvolvimento de novos produtos a serem aplicadas do desenvolvimento de órteses utilizando a manufatura aditiva A coleta de dados contou com a participação dos principais personagens envolvidos no processo, usuários de órteses, Terapeutas Ocupacionais e Designers. Com base na técnica de card sorting e entrevistas, foi elaborado um framework da abordagem projetual para a criação de órteses utilizando processos de fabricação digital, de forma colaborativa. O framework ainda foi aplicado no desenvolvimento de uma órtese a fim de avaliar os resultados e melhorias levantadas durante a fase de entrevistas com profissionais e usuários. Ao final do processo, obteve-se uma órtese funcional em que foram atendidos os requisitos necessários para a produção de uma órtese levantada pelo trabalho, além da criação do framework servindo como um guia para o desenvolvimento de órteses utilizando a manufatura aditiva. / Upper limb orthoses are devices that assist in the rehabilitation of the hand and that aim to stabilize, immobilize, prevent and correct deformities, thus improving the function. The traditional process of making orthotics is accomplished through the use of thermoplastics of low temperature, molded material directly on the member of the user, being in this process reported numerous problems, that involve discomfort during the process, high cost and low adhesion of the patient to the use. The present work, therefore, aimed to propose the construction of a framework with a design methodological approach for the production of upper limb orthosis based on the process of design and collaborative design, with the aid of digital manufacturing resources such as three - dimensional digitization and additive manufacturing (3D printing). Through an exploratory research, questions regarding the design of upper limb orthoses (MMSS) in the traditional way, using low-temperature thermoplastic, and design process issues in the development of new products to be applied in the development of orthoses using the additive manufacture The data collection was attended by the main characters involved in the process, users of orthoses, Occupational Therapists, and Designers. Based on the technique of card sorting and interviews, a framework of the design approach for the creation of orthoses using digital manufacturing processes was developed in a collaborative way. The framework was also applied in the development of a bracing in order to collaborate with the results and improvements raised during the interviews phase with professionals and users. At the end of the process, a functional orthosis was obtained, in which the necessary requirements for the production of an orthosis were obtained by the work, besides the creation of a framework serving as a guide for the development of orthoses using the additive manufacture.

This thesis describes design, development and testing work on a plasma cathode electron beam gun as well as plasma diagnosis experiments and Electron Beam (EB) current measurements carried out with the aim of maximising the power of the EB extracted and optimising the electron beam gun system for material processing applications. The elements which influence EB gun design are described and put into practice in a thermionic EB gun case study. The relevant principles of plasma EB gun systems, such low-temperature, low-pressure, RF excitation, are described along with the test rigs developed to investigate different plasma cathode configurations. The first experimental setup was for optical spectroscopy measurements of the light emitted from the plasma and the second included current measurements from EBs generated at –30 and –60 kV as well as the spectroscopic measurements. Comparison of EB current measurements with different plasma cathode configurations and correlation with spectroscopic measurements are presented. The maximum current extracted from the Radiofrequency (RF) gun was 38 mA at –60 kV using a hollow cathode geometry and permanent magnets for electron confinement. The RF gun was compared to a Direct Current (DC) gun which generated higher currents. This was reflected in the spectra which indicated a higher ionisation level than in the RF plasma. Simulation work carried out using Opera-2d to model beam trajectories indicated that the beam shape is largely influenced by the plasma boundary. Particle In Cell (PIC) simulations of a parallel plate RF plasma cathode demonstrated that higher excitation frequencies produced higher ionisation, however the RF sheaths were larger and thus the current extracted may be limited in practice due to fewer electrons being available near the aperture. The sheath thickness decreased in the simulations as the discharge gap was increased. RF plasma also produced larger currents from larger plasma chambers.

abstract: The microstructure development of Inconel alloy 718 (IN718) during conventional processing has been extensively studied and much has been discovered as to the mechanisms behind the exceptional creep resistance that the alloy exhibits. More recently with the development of large scale 3D printing of alloys such as IN718 a new dimension of complexity has emerged in the understanding of alloy microstructure development, hence, potential alloy development opportunity for IN718. This study is a broad stroke at discovering possible alternate microstructures developing in Direct-Metal-Laser-Sintering (DMLS) processed IN718 compared to those in conventional wrought IN718. The main inspiration for this study came from creep test results from several DMLS IN718 samples at Honeywell that showed a significant improvement in creep capabilities for DMLS718 compared to cast and wrought IN718 (Honeywell). From this data the steady-state creep rates were evaluated and fitted to current creep models in order to identify active creep mechanisms in conventional and DMLS IN718 and illuminate the potential factors responsible for the improved creep behavior in DMSL processed IN718. Because rapid heating and cooling can introduce high internal stress and impact microstructural development, such as gamma double prime formations (Oblak et al.), leading to differences in material behavior, DMLS and conventional IN718 materials are studied using SEM and TEM characterization to investigate sub-micron and/or nano-scale microstructural differences developed in the DMLS samples as a result of their complex thermal history and internal stress. The preliminary analysis presented in this body of work is an attempt to better understand the effect of DMLS processing in quest for development of optimization techniques for DMLS as a whole. A historical sketch of nickel alloys and the development of IN718 is given. A literature review detailing the microstructure of IN718 is presented. Creep data analysis and identification of active creep mechanisms are evaluated. High-resolution microstructural characterization of DMLS and wrought IN718 are discussed in detail throughout various chapters of this thesis. Finally, an initial effort in developing a processing model that would allow for parameter optimization is presented. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Engineering 2017

abstract: Presented below is the design and fabrication of prosthetic components consisting of an attachment, tactile sensing, and actuator systems with Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technique. The attachment system is a thermoplastic osseointegrated upper limb prosthesis for average adult trans-humeral amputation with mechanical properties greater than upper limb skeletal bone. The prosthetic designed has: a one-step surgical process, large cavities for bone tissue ingrowth, uses a material that has an elastic modulus less than skeletal bone, and can be fabricated on one system. FFF osseointegration screw is an improvement upon the current two-part osseointegrated prosthetics that are composed of a fixture and abutment. The current prosthetic design requires two invasive surgeries for implantation and are made of titanium, which has an elastic modulus greater than bone. An elastic modulus greater than bone causes stress shielding and overtime can cause loosening of the prosthetic. The tactile sensor is a thermoplastic piezo-resistive sensor for daily activities for a prosthetic’s feedback system. The tactile sensor is manufactured from a low elastic modulus composite comprising of a compressible thermoplastic elastomer and conductive carbon. Carbon is in graphite form and added in high filler ratios. The printed sensors were compared to sensors that were fabricated in a gravity mold to highlight the difference in FFF sensors to molded sensors. The 3D printed tactile sensor has a thickness and feel similar to human skin, has a simple fabrication technique, can detect forces needed for daily activities, and can be manufactured in to user specific geometries. Lastly, a biomimicking skeletal muscle actuator for prosthetics was developed. The actuator developed is manufactured with Fuse Filament Fabrication using a shape memory polymer composite that has non-linear contractile and passive forces, contractile forces and strains comparable to mammalian skeletal muscle, reaction time under one second, low operating temperature, and has a low mass, volume, and material costs. The actuator improves upon current prosthetic actuators that provide rigid, linear force with high weight, cost, and noise. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Biomedical Engineering 2017

Användningen och intresset för additiv tillverkning (AM) har ökat markant de senaste åren och det finns en teori kring att tillverkningsmetoden kan vara det nästa steget i den industriella revolutionen. Eftersom AM fortfarande befinner sig i utvecklingsstatidet går det att anta att tekniken ännu inte uppnått sin fulla potential och att det kan komma att finnas möjligheter att implementera tekniken i fler branscher och företag. Detta skulle innebära en bredare marknad för AM. Syftet med examensarbetet var att undersöka vilka möjligheter och hinder som finns för ökad användning av AM i Sverige. Studien genomfördes genom kvalitativa intervjuer med åtta olika verksamheter tillhörande den svenska industrin och en litteraturgenomgång för att presentera nuläget för AM i svensk industriell marknad. Resultatet av datainsamlingen analyserades med modellerna PEST, 4P och slutligen SWOT. De fördelar som har setts med användningen av AM har varit minskade ledtider, minskade kostnader för tillverkning av produkter och verktyg, minskat materialspill och en optimal designprocess med ökad kreativitet. De begränsningar som finns i tekniken i dagsläget är att priset för material och maskiner är dyrt. Vidare anses även kvalitet på slutdetalj, begränsad byggvolym och opålitliga processer vara problematiska. De möjligheter som finns beror huvudsakligen på den forskning som görs. Förutsättningarna för AM i svensk industri kommer att bero på hur tekniken kommer att utvecklas. De hinder som finns är kopplat till kompetensbrist och att det inte finns befintliga standarder för material eller process inom AM. / Within the industrial sector, an increased interest and usage of Additive Manufacturing (AM) throughout the decade has been formed. The layer-upon-layer building technology has been seen and recognized as one of the next industrial revolutionizing methods of production. As the technology is still in the trending and uprising phase it should be considered that its full potential has not yet been achieved, as large opportunities for implementation of AM exist and that new companies and markets have a growing interest in this technology. Through this study a market research was conducted to identify and present what opportunities and obstacles there are for an increased usage of AM in Sweden. A literature study on the Swedish market has been made to present the market as of today. Eight qualitative interviews have also been conducted with companies within the industrial sector to identify the areas of use within AM for production. The concepts and models used to analyze these questions was PEST, Marketing Mix and SWOT. The concluded results for advantages in using AM are shortened lead times, reduced costs of production of components and tools, reduced material waste and optimization of design processes with increased creativity. The concluded challenges are expensive materials and machine, the quality of finished components, limited printing volume due to the 3D-printers and reliability of printing processes. The finalized opportunities that are presented in this work are that AM is dependent on how much research on the subject and factors around it is done. How AM will be applied in the coming future revolves around the advancement in the technology. The obstacles that are found in this study are lack of competence and lack of standard for materials and processes within AM.

The advantages of Topology Optimization (TO) are realized to a large extent due to the manufacturing freedom that Additive Manufacturing (AM) offer, compared to more conventional manufacturing methods. AM has the advantage of manufacturing shallow and complex structures previously not possible, and consequently opens up a whole new design spectrum. This thesis investigates the possibilities of using Topology Optimization as a tool to find stronger and lighter designs for the inlet turbine manifold in the rocket engine demonstrator Prometheus. The manifold is optimized by giving it more mass, subjecting it to load cases and pushing the topology optimization to make the manifold meet the weight requirement without exceeding the yield strength. Result validation indicates that the pressure and thermal loadings are the most prominent. The current topology optimization tools in ANSYS do not support optimization due to thermal features and thus optimization in the presented work has only been able to consider static structural loads. Nevertheless, it is possible to optimize the manifold due to static structural loads and achieve a manifold which satisfies the weight requirement. However, optimization tools due to thermal loading would be a desirable feature in the future.