Este trabalho apresenta um estudo sobre o uso do processo de estampagem incremental empregando chapas de titânio comercialmente puro. O modelo do componente empregado como foco do trabalho foi um implante craniano a base de titânio. Este tipo de implante é usado, por exemplo, em casos de acidentes em que a camada óssea do crânio foi perdida. Com auxílio de um sistema computacional CAD (Computer Aided Design), foi desenvolvido um modelo 3D, a partir de imagens de tomografia computadorizada. Foram determinadas as características mecânicas e biomédicas das chapas de titânio F67 - grau 2 e, através de software CAM, foi possível gerar as trajetórias de ferramenta, utilizadas na usinagem do molde e na estampagem da chapa. Os testes práticos demostraram que a estampagem incremental proporcionou maiores deformações do que a estampagem convencional e qual a estratégia de usinagem que proporcionou a maior homogeneidade na distribuição de espessura e conformidade dimensional das chapas estampadas. / This work present a research about the incremental sheet forming process, using commercially pure titanium sheets. The model of component used like focus on work was a titanium cranial implant. This kind of implant is used, e.g., in cases of accidents where skull bone was lost. With aided of a CAD computacional system (Computer Aided Design), was development a 3D model, with images of computadorized tomography. It was determined the mechanical and biomedical properties of the F67 grade 2 titanium sheet and, through CAM software, it was possible development the tool path, used in the milling mold and sheet forming. The pratical tests showed the incremental forming provided greater than convencional forming and which the tool movement strategy that provided better homogeneity in the thickness distribution and dimensional conformity of the forming sheets.

O presente trabalho investiga o comportamento da chapa de latão C268, com 0,50 mm de espessura, quando exposto ao processo de Estampagem Incremental de Chapas de Metal (Incremental Sheet Metal Forming -ISMF). Especificamente para a pesquisa, foram utilizadas as modalidades de Estampagem Incremental com Ponto Simples (Single Point Incremental Forming- SPIF) e Estampagem Incremental de Múltiplos Passes (Multi Pass Single Point Incremental Forming- MSPIF). Os experimentos foram baseados em uma geometria de tronco de pirâmide de base quadrada com 100 mm de lado e 45 mm de profundidade. Para as estratégias de estampagem foi atribuído, a estampagem helicoidal. Como resultado principal, foi verificado o ângulo de parede máximo atingido por cada processo de estampagem incremental. Adicionalmente, ensaios de tração, análise de deformações e de rugosidade da chapa de latão foram realizados. Todos os seus resultados estão detalhados na investigação. Para os parâmetros adotados nestes experimentos, o ângulo de parede obtido por SPIF foi maior do que pelo estudo proposto por MSPIF. / The present study investigates the performance of the brass plate C-268 with 0.50 mm thickness, when exposed to Incremental Sheet Metal Forming (ISMF). Specifically for research, it was used the modalities Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) and Multi Pass Single Point Incremental Forming (MSPIF). The experiments were based on a truncated pyramid geometry with square base 100 mm side and 45 mm depth. For forming strategies has been assigned, the helical forming. As the main outcome, it was found the maximum wall angle achieved by each process of incremental printing. In addition, tensile tests, analysis of deformation and roughness of the brass sheet were performed. All results are detailed in the investigation. For the parameters used in these experiments, the wall angle obtained by SPIF is greater than the study proposed by MSPIF.

Este trabalho apresenta um modelo inovador de coletor solar plano, com placa absorvedora fabricada por Estampagem Incremental e Soldagem FSW (Friction Stir Welding). Esta placa absorvedora é constituída de duas chapas de alumínio AA1200-H14 com espessura de 1 mm, estampadas e soldadas em simetria, a fim de que na união das chapas sejam deixados canais para passagem de água. Neste estudo foi realizada a caracterização do material por Ensaio de Tração e Ensaio Nakajima. Para determinação dos parâmetros de Estampagem Incremental foram realizados 16 experimentos com ferramenta de diâmetro df = 9,5 mm, variando a rotação de N = 50 rpm a 800 rpm e o incremento vertical de Δz = 2 mm a 0,2 mm, mantendo o avanço em = 250 mm/min. E também foram realizados 3 experimentos com ferramenta df = 22 mm, variando o incremento vertical de Δz = 2 mm a 0,5 mm, mantendo a rotação em N = 50 rpm e o avanço em = 250 mm/min. Para determinação dos parâmetros de Soldagem FSW foram realizados 4 experimentos com ferramenta de ombro de diâmetro 8 mm e pino roscado M3x0,5, mantendo a rotação em N = 1500 rpm e variando o avanço entre = 100 mm/min a 400 mm/min. Em seguida foi fabricado um protótipo de placa absorvedora de coletor solar com área de 0,12 m². Nos experimentos realizados foi constatado que é possível obter maiores deformações na Estampagem Incremental do que na Estampagem Convencional e que as deformações são mais elevadas quando se utiliza menores diâmetros, maiores rotações e menores incrementos verticais da ferramenta. Na Soldagem FSW não foi constatada influência na qualidade do cordão de solda em relação à variação do avanço da ferramenta. Neste estudo também se verificou que é possível fabricar protótipos de placas absorvedoras de coletores solares pelos processos de Estampagem Incremental e Soldagem FSW. No entanto, para coletores em tamanho comercial, novos estudos são necessários para melhorar a forma de fixação das chapas durante a Soldagem FSW. / This work presents an innovative model of flat plate solar collector, with absorber plate manufactured using Incremental Sheet Forming (ISF) and Friction Stir Welding (FSW). This absorber plate consists of two AA1200-H14 aluminum sheets with a thickness of 1 mm, stamped and welded in symmetry, in order to leave channels for the passage of water. In this study the characterization of the material by Nakajima Test and Traction Test was performed. In order to determine the parameters of ISF, 16 experiments were performed with a tool of diameter df = 9.5 mm, varying the rotation speed of N = 50 rpm at 800 rpm and the step down of Δz = 2 mm to 0.2 mm, maintaining the feed rate at = 250 mm/min. Also, 3 experiments with tool df = 22 mm were performed, varying the step down of Δz = 2 mm to 0.5 mm, maintaining the rotation speed at N = 50 rpm and the feed rate at = 250 mm/min. For determination of FSW parameters, 4 experiments with 8 mm diameter shoulder tool and M3x0.5 pin were performed, maintaining the rotation speed at N = 1500 rpm and varying the feed rate from = 100 mm/min to 400 mm/min. A prototype solar collector absorber plate with a 0.12 m² area was then manufactured. In the experiments carried out, it was found that it is possible to obtain greater deformations in the ISF than in the Conventional Stamping and that the deformations are higher when using smaller diameters, higher rotations and smaller step downs of the tool. In FSW, no influence was observed in the quality of the weld bead in relation to the variation of the tool feed rate. In this study it was also verified that it is possible to manufacture prototypes of solar collector absorber plates by the processes of ISF and FSW. However, for commercial size collectors, further studies are needed to improve the way the plates are fixed during FSW.

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo sobre o uso do processo de estampagem incremental empregando chapas de titânio comercialmente puro. O modelo do componente empregado como foco do trabalho foi um implante craniano a base de titânio. Este tipo de implante é usado, por exemplo, em casos de acidentes em que a camada óssea do crânio foi perdida. Com auxílio de um sistema computacional CAD (Computer Aided Design), foi desenvolvido um modelo 3D, a partir de imagens de tomografia computadorizada. Foram determinadas as características mecânicas e biomédicas das chapas de titânio F67 - grau 2 e, através de software CAM, foi possível gerar as trajetórias de ferramenta, utilizadas na usinagem do molde e na estampagem da chapa. Os testes práticos demostraram que a estampagem incremental proporcionou maiores deformações do que a estampagem convencional e qual a estratégia de usinagem que proporcionou a maior homogeneidade na distribuição de espessura e conformidade dimensional das chapas estampadas. / This work present a research about the incremental sheet forming process, using commercially pure titanium sheets. The model of component used like focus on work was a titanium cranial implant. This kind of implant is used, e.g., in cases of accidents where skull bone was lost. With aided of a CAD computacional system (Computer Aided Design), was development a 3D model, with images of computadorized tomography. It was determined the mechanical and biomedical properties of the F67 grade 2 titanium sheet and, through CAM software, it was possible development the tool path, used in the milling mold and sheet forming. The pratical tests showed the incremental forming provided greater than convencional forming and which the tool movement strategy that provided better homogeneity in the thickness distribution and dimensional conformity of the forming sheets.

O presente trabalho investiga o comportamento da chapa de latão C268, com 0,50 mm de espessura, quando exposto ao processo de Estampagem Incremental de Chapas de Metal (Incremental Sheet Metal Forming -ISMF). Especificamente para a pesquisa, foram utilizadas as modalidades de Estampagem Incremental com Ponto Simples (Single Point Incremental Forming- SPIF) e Estampagem Incremental de Múltiplos Passes (Multi Pass Single Point Incremental Forming- MSPIF). Os experimentos foram baseados em uma geometria de tronco de pirâmide de base quadrada com 100 mm de lado e 45 mm de profundidade. Para as estratégias de estampagem foi atribuído, a estampagem helicoidal. Como resultado principal, foi verificado o ângulo de parede máximo atingido por cada processo de estampagem incremental. Adicionalmente, ensaios de tração, análise de deformações e de rugosidade da chapa de latão foram realizados. Todos os seus resultados estão detalhados na investigação. Para os parâmetros adotados nestes experimentos, o ângulo de parede obtido por SPIF foi maior do que pelo estudo proposto por MSPIF. / The present study investigates the performance of the brass plate C-268 with 0.50 mm thickness, when exposed to Incremental Sheet Metal Forming (ISMF). Specifically for research, it was used the modalities Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) and Multi Pass Single Point Incremental Forming (MSPIF). The experiments were based on a truncated pyramid geometry with square base 100 mm side and 45 mm depth. For forming strategies has been assigned, the helical forming. As the main outcome, it was found the maximum wall angle achieved by each process of incremental printing. In addition, tensile tests, analysis of deformation and roughness of the brass sheet were performed. All results are detailed in the investigation. For the parameters used in these experiments, the wall angle obtained by SPIF is greater than the study proposed by MSPIF.

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo sobre o uso do processo de estampagem incremental empregando chapas de titânio comercialmente puro. O modelo do componente empregado como foco do trabalho foi um implante craniano a base de titânio. Este tipo de implante é usado, por exemplo, em casos de acidentes em que a camada óssea do crânio foi perdida. Com auxílio de um sistema computacional CAD (Computer Aided Design), foi desenvolvido um modelo 3D, a partir de imagens de tomografia computadorizada. Foram determinadas as características mecânicas e biomédicas das chapas de titânio F67 - grau 2 e, através de software CAM, foi possível gerar as trajetórias de ferramenta, utilizadas na usinagem do molde e na estampagem da chapa. Os testes práticos demostraram que a estampagem incremental proporcionou maiores deformações do que a estampagem convencional e qual a estratégia de usinagem que proporcionou a maior homogeneidade na distribuição de espessura e conformidade dimensional das chapas estampadas. / This work present a research about the incremental sheet forming process, using commercially pure titanium sheets. The model of component used like focus on work was a titanium cranial implant. This kind of implant is used, e.g., in cases of accidents where skull bone was lost. With aided of a CAD computacional system (Computer Aided Design), was development a 3D model, with images of computadorized tomography. It was determined the mechanical and biomedical properties of the F67 grade 2 titanium sheet and, through CAM software, it was possible development the tool path, used in the milling mold and sheet forming. The pratical tests showed the incremental forming provided greater than convencional forming and which the tool movement strategy that provided better homogeneity in the thickness distribution and dimensional conformity of the forming sheets.

Le formage incrémental est un procédé innovant de mise en forme des tôles métalliques utilisant un outil rigide à bout hémisphérique piloté par une machine à Commandes Numériques. La tôle encastrée sur son contour est déformée localement suivant une trajectoire d'outil, définissant ainsi la forme finale de la pièce. Les avantages de ce procédé sont sa très grande flexibilité, son faible coût d'outillage, et sa capacité à raccourcir la chaîne de conception et de fabrication. Le respect de la demande de diminution des coûts, et des délais de développement a rendu la simulation numérique incontournable. De nombreux modèles robustes de simulation basés sur la méthode des éléments finis permettent de prédire la formabilité et la qualité de la géométrie d'une pièce. Les algorithmes classiques de la simulation garantissent des résultats de qualités mais les temps de calculs nécessaire sont encore très élevés. Dans ce contexte, une Approche Simplifiée a été développée afin de réduire les temps de calculs. Cette approche permet de se soustraire à l'intégration de l'outil et de son contact avec la tôle dans l'algorithme de simulation numérique, en les remplaçant par une imposition locale et évolutive de déplacement sur certains nœuds supposés être en contact avec l'outil. Un complément est proposé dans cette thèse pour diminuer la durée d'une séquence de simulation, en utilisant un élément coque triangulaire DKTRF (Discrete Kirchoff Triangle Rotation Free). Cet élément permet de tenir compte des effets de membrane et de flexion avec un nombre de degré de liberté restreint, car les termes en flexion sont définis en fonction des déplacements nodaux des éléments adjacents. L'intégration de cet élément associé à l'Approche Simplifiée pour un maillage régulier dans un problème élasto-plastique donne des résultats géométriques et comportementaux cohérents avec des temps de calculs considérablement réduit par rapport aux simulations numériques effectuées sous ABAQUS®. Les résultats obtenus à l'aide de la simulation numérique d'un cas-test sont par la suite comparés à des résultats expérimentaux, permettant ainsi de valider le modèle et d'étudier les influences des paramètres du procédé sur la pièce finale. Pour ce faire, une méthodologie d'essai expérimentale est développée afin de mieux estimer l'efficacité du procédé de formage incrémentale sur une machine à Commandes Numériques. La technique de mesure utilisée pour caractériser la géométrie (épaisseur et profil) de la pièce est la méthode de numérisation. Cet outil de mesure, retranscrit le plus fidèlement la géométrie de la pièce par l'intermédiaire de caméras et d'un logiciel de post-traitement. Particulièrement bien adapté pour l'évaluation du profil, la méthode d'acquisition reste cependant à optimiser notamment pour l'évaluation de l'épaisseur de la tôle / The incremental sheet forming (ISF) is an innovative process in sheet metal forming method by using a hemispherical rigid tool controlled by Computerized Numerical Control machine (CNC). The clamped sheet is locally deformed following a tool path, defining thus the final geometry of the part. The advantages of this method are its high flexibility, its low tooling cost, and its ability to shorten the design and manufacturing chain. The application of the reduction of the overall costs, and development time made the numerical simulation essential. Many robust simulation models based on the finite element method enable to predict the formability and the geometrical quality of the part. Classic algorithms of simulation ensure reliable quality results but necessary computation times (CPU) are still very long. In this context, a Simplified Approach has been developed to reduce the computation time. This approach allows avoiding the integration of the tool and its contact with the sheet into the numerical simulation, by replacing them with a local and progressive displacement imposition of certain nodes supposed to be in contact with the tool. A complementary solution is proposed within this thesis to reduce the CPU times of a simulation sequence, by using a shell element called DKTRF (Discrete Kirchhoff Triangle Rotation Free). This element takes account of the membrane and bending effects with restricted numbers of degrees of freedom, as the flexion terms are defined in accordance with the nodal translational displacements of the adjacent elements. The integration of this element combined with the Simplified Approach for a regular mesh in an elastoplastic problem gives consistent outcomes in geometric and behavioural, with significant diminution of CPU times in comparison with the industrial numerical simulation performed on ABAQUS©. Results obtained by means of numerical simulation of a study case are then compared with experimental results, thereby enabling to validate the model and to study the influences of process parameters on the final piece. To do this, an experimental test procedure is developed in order to evaluate the efficiency of incremental forming process on a Computerized Numerical Control machine (CNC). The measurement technique used to characterize the geometry (thickness and profile) of the piece is the scanning method. The measurement tool, transcribed accurately the geometry of the part via cameras and post-treatment software. Particularly well-suited for the assessment of the profile, the acquisition method remains to be optimize especially for assessing the thickness of the sheet

The aim of this master´s thesis is the design, proposal and production of a functional jig for technological testing of metal sheet by bending in the pre-production stage to the limit bend radius of the steel sheet up to a thickness of 2 mm, or in case of non-ferrous metal to a thickness of 3 mm. The required bending angle is in the range from zero to ninety degrees. The functionality of the jig will be verified by a practical testing of springing. The proposal will be supported by technological and economic calculations and technical - economic evaluation.

Incremental Sheet Forming (ISF) is a progressive metal forming process, where the deformation occurs locally around the point of contact between a tool and the metal sheet. The final work-piece is formed cumulatively by the movements of the tool, which is usually attached to a CNC milling machine. The ISF process is dieless in nature and capable of producing different parts of geometries with a universal tool. The tooling cost of ISF can be as low as 5–10% compared to the conventional sheet metal forming processes. On the laboratory scale, the accuracy of the parts created by ISF is between ±1.5 mm and ±3mm. However, in order for ISF to be competitive with a stamping process, an accuracy of below ±1.0 mm and more realistically below ±0.2 mm would be needed. In this work, we first studied the ISF deformation process by a simplified phenomenal linear model and employed a predictive controller to obtain an optimised tool trajectory in the sense of minimising the geometrical deviations between the targeted shape and the shape made by the ISF process. The algorithm is implemented at a rig in Cambridge University and the experimental results demonstrate the ability of the model predictive controller (MPC) strategy. We can achieve the deviation errors around ±0.2 mm for a number of simple geometrical shapes with our controller. The limitations of the underlying linear model for a highly nonlinear problem lead us to study the ISF process by a physics based model. We use the elastoplastic constitutive relation to model the material law and the contact mechanics with Signorini’s type of boundary conditions to model the process, resulting in an infinite dimensional system described by a partial differential equation. We further developed the computational method to solve the proposed mathematical model by using an augmented Lagrangian method in function space and discretising by finite element method. The preliminary results demonstrate the possibility of using this model for optimal controller design.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease is a progressive disorder of the joints caused by gradual loss of cartilage and resulting in the development of bony spurs and cysts at the margins of the joints. The degradation of the musculoskeletal system, which is mainly caused by joint injury, obesity (leading to musculoskeletal fatigue) and aging can also lead to osteoarthritis. The hands, feet, spine, and large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees are commonly affected. The only medical solution to severe cases of osteoarthritis is the surgical reconstruction or replacement of a malformed or degenerated joint, better known as arthroplasty. Arthroplasty makes use of biomedical implants and replacements to restore functionality of the joints. Biomedical engineering in arthroplasty is an ever increasing field of interest as a result of its innovative improvements to surgical quality. Certain cases of partial osteoarthritis require less surgical action. Partial knee replacement surgery, also known as unicondylar (or unicompartmental) knee arthroplasty involves a covering which is placed over the affected area to resurface the affected bone and protect the patient from further degeneration. Advantages of partial replacement include faster recovery time and less post-operative pain. The biomedical implants used for these operations consist of a standardized implant that is fit onto the bone by modifying (cutting away) the outer structure of the bone. The result is known to cause post-operative discomfort among some patients. The problem with these standard designs includes the requirement of the removal of unaffected (healthy) bone matter, leading to induced trauma and pain for patients during the recovery phase of the operations. A preferred alternative to the standard design would be to create a custom implant for every patient, reducing the need to remove parts of unaffected bone matter. The implementation of this proposed method tends toward Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS). MIS is normally preferred as it reduces the risk of various negative consequences of normal arthroplasty such as nerve or tendon damage during surgery. It could be argued that the proposed method may cause less damage to the fragile tendon, bloodflow, and nerve networks of the knee. Increasing material costs of metal products introduce great interest in more cost efficient forming processes to reduce the loss of redundant blank material. Incremental Sheet Forming (ISF), a relatively new class of forming process, has the potential to meet the need for this more efficient forming process. The ISF process is highly flexible, can be developed in normal milling machines, and can reduce production cost by up to 90% in comparison to processes such as stamping. The ISF process is a non-patented process, as the existing patents are referred to the designed machines and not the process. The availability of the ISF process contributes greatly to its attractiveness. ISF can be implemented in any facility that has access to a three- or more-axis CNC machine. The advantage of ISF implemented in CNC machines is that CNC technology has already reached a mature stage in development, contributing to the accuracy and methodology (such as feed rate or angular velocity of the tool) of the ISF process. The forming of valuable lightweight materials is well covered by ISF processes. A variety of studies contribute to research on the forming of titanium and titanium based alloys as part of ISF of lightweight materials. The ISF process utilizes the functionality of commercial CNC machines, improving the process availability of many manufacturing companies. The ISF process offers fast setup times and flexibility of the forming process. The purpose of this project is to define a process chain for creating a customized biomedical implant as well as determining the validity of the process chain by applying each step. The design and development procedure of a titanium based biomedical arthroplasty implant using innovative Incremental Sheet Forming (ISF) techniques will be documented, as well as an investigation of the financial cost and potential gain that this implant can offer. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Osteoartritis is 'n gewrig siekte wat degeneratiewe newe-effekte behels in die gewrigte. Hierdie siekte lei to die geleidelike verlies van kraakbeen en lei tot die onreelmatige ontwikkeling van abnormale beengroei. Osteoartritis kan ook deur beserings in die gewrig veroorsaak word. Die hande, voete, ruggraat, en enige groter gewigdraende gewrigte, soos die heupe en knieë kan geaffekteer word. Die enigste mediese oplossing tot ernstige gevalle van die siekte is chirurgiese rekonstruksie of vervanging van die gewrig, meer bekend as artroplastie. Artroplastie maak gebruik van biomediese implantate om funksionaliteit van die gewrig te herstel. Biomediese ingenieurswese in artroplastie is 'n toenemende navorsingsveld as gevolg van die innoverende aspekte om chirurgiese kwaliteit te verhoog. Sekere gevalle van gedeeltelike osteoartritis vereis veel minder chirurgiese behandeling. Gedeeltelike knie vervanging chirurgie, meer bekend as unikompartementele knie artroplastie, behels 'n bedekking wat slegs die geaffekteerde been bedek, om die pasiënt van verdere degenerasie te beskerm. Voordele van gedeeltelike vervanging sluit vinniger herstel tyd en minder pyn in. Die biomediese implantate wat gebruik word vir hieride operasies bestaan uit standaard ontwerpe wat aan die been gepas word deur die wysiging (of wegsny) van die buitenste beenstruktuur. Die nagevolg van hierdie chirurgie is lang herstel periodes en kan ongemaklikheid in die knie veroorsaak. Die probleem met die bogenoemde standaard is dat die prosedure die verweidering van selfs ongeaffekteerde (of gesonde) been in sluit, wat lei tot verdere kniepyn en ongemak vir pasiënte lei tydens die herstelperiode. 'n Verkiesde alternatief tot die standaard ontwerpe is om 'n persoonlikke implantaat vir elke pasiënt te skep, en so kan die behoefte om dele van ongeaffekteerde been te behou moontlik wees. Die toepassing van die voorgestelde metode neig na Minimale Skade Chirurgie (MSC). MSC word gewoonlik verkies om die risiko van verskeie negatiewe nagevolge te verminder, en skade aan die tendon, bloed- en senunetwerke van die knie te beperk. Die toenemende materiaalkoste vand metal produkte lei tot 'n groot belangstelling in meer koste besparing vormings prosesse, om sodoende die verlies van oortollige materiaalverlies te verminder. Inkrementele Plaat Vervorming (IPV), 'n relatiewe nuwe klas van vervorming, is 'n waardige kanidaat om hierdie doel te bereik. Die IPV proses is baie toepaslik, en kan deur die gebruik van Rekenaar Numeriese Kontrole (RNK) masjienerie toegepas word. Verder sal dit vervaardigingskoste kan verlaag met soveel as 90% in vergelyking met ander prosese soos die stempel metode. Die beskikbaarheid van die IPV proses dra grootliks by tot die proses se aantreklikheid in die industrie. IPV kan geimplementeer word in enige fasiliteit wat toegang tot 'n drie-as RNK masjien het. Die voordeel van dit is die feit dat RNK masjienerie klaar ontwikkel en volwasse is, wat kan bydra tot goeie akkuraatheid in die vormingsproses. Die vervaardiging van laegewig materiale soos titaan of aluminium is gedokumenteer. 'n Verskeidenheid van studies dra waarde tot navorsing van die vormingsproses van titaan as deel hiervan. Die IPV proses bied vinnige opstel tye en goeie buigsaamheid met die vormingsproses, veral met behulp van 'n vyf-as masjien. Die doel van hierdie projek is om 'n proses ketting te ontwerp. Die proses ketting, wat uit vele stappe bestaan, sal die ontwerp en vervaardigingsproses van 'n persoonlike biomediese knie implantaat bevestig deur middel van die IPV vormings tegniek. Validasie van die proses ketting sal dus plaasvind deur die stappe van die voorgestelde proses ketting uit te voer. 'n Finale ondersoek sal die finansiele en regalutoriese aspekte van die projek aanspreek.