Daniela Francia

CAD-CAM integration for 3D Hybrid Manufacturing

Hybrid Manufacturing (HM) is oriented to combine the advantages of additive manufacturing, such as few limits in shape reproduction, good customization of parts, distributive production, minimization of production costs and minimization of waste materials, with the advantages of subtractive manufacturing, in terms of finishing properties and accuracy of dimensional tolerances. In this context, our research group presents a design technique that aims to data processing that switches between additive and subtractive procedures, to the costs and time of product-manufacturing optimization. The component prototyping may be performed combining different stages (addiction, gross milling, fine milling, deposition…) with different parameters and head/nozzles and is able to work with different materials either in addictive, either in milling. The present paper is dedicated to introduce different strategies, or in other terms, different combinations of machining features (addictive or deductive) and different materials to complete a prototype model or mold. The optimization/analysis piece of software is fully integrated in classic CAD/CAM environment for better supporting the design and engineering processes.

Mobile tracking system and optical tracking integration for mobile mixed reality

Augmented Reality AR technology is becoming more available for everyday applications, providing advanced information about the observed objects. In this paper we present a system combining optical tracking and augmented reality with applications in local large areas. We use two different tracking technologies for positioning objects: the infrared marker-based motion capture system OptiTrack and the Vuforia software platform, which enables augmented reality app across the real world environment. We present a robust solution for communication between a client mobile platform and a server that computes all global tracking data. This technology has high potential for end users and can be of great benefit.

Sustainable design of open molds with QFD and TRIZ combination

Abstract The planning activity relative to physical items, environment, and services that adapts to optimize social, economic, and ecological impact is the target of sustainable design. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) achieves product design by choosing and defining factors that can be qualitatively argued. The aim of design is to match needs in new and innovative ways. In this perspective, the QFD aims to evaluate the quality of a design process. TRIZ is a design methodology that aims at defining and overcoming some critical issues that can affect the development of a product, by means of potential innovative solutions. In this paper, QFD and TRIZ analysis were adopted in order to validate a design method for direct open molds by means of a new strategy: hybrid manufacturing can reduce production time, use of material, and energy and waste consumption, employing subtractive and additive techniques efficiently combined.

Strain gauge analysis of implant-supported, screw-retained metal frameworks: Comparison between different manufacturing technologies

Over the past decades, the technological development in the medical field, coupled with the ongoing scientific research, has led to the development and improvement of dental prostheses supported by screw-retained metal frameworks. A key point in the manufacture of the framework is the achievement of a passive fit, intended as the capability of an implant-supported reconstruction to transmit minimum strain to implant components as well as to the surrounding bone, when subject to any load. The fitting of four different kinds of screw-retained metal frameworks was tested in this article. They differ both in materials and manufacturing process: two frameworks are made by casting, one framework is made by computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing and one framework is made by electric resistance spot welding (WeldONE, DENTSPLY Implants Manufacturing GmbH, Mannheim, Germany). The passivity of the frameworks was evaluated on the entire system, composed of a resin master cast, the implant analogues embedded in the cast and the frameworks. Strains were recorded by means of an electrical strain gauge connected to a control unit for strain gauge measurements. The experimental tests were carried out in the laboratories of the Department of INdustrial engineering at the University of Bologna. The results of the test campaigns, which compared three samples for each technological process, showed that no significant differences exist between the four framework types. In particular, the frameworks made by the resistance welding approach led to a mechanical response that is well comparable to that of the other tested frameworks.

TRIZ method for innovation applied to an hoverboard

Abstract The aim of this work is to complete the QFD analysis carried out in a previous work that aimed to identify the main features that contribute to the success of a modern urban transport means: the hoverboard. Starting from this analysis, through the TRIZ methodology, resolutive principles have been identified for the realization of innovative solutions of the said urban transport means. In practice this analysis aims to manage the next phase of conceptual design realized with the QFD methodology and tries to guide the design process in its next phase. In this work was used the hill model, a characteristic model of the TRIZ methodology, and the technical innovative problems encountered were reformulated in terms of technical contradictions. Subsequently, general principles of inventive solutions were obtained using one of the tools of TRIZ: the matrix of contradiction. Finally, starting from these general principles of solution, innovative constructive solutions have been developed to be applied to the design of an innovative hoverboard.

QFD and TRIZ to Sustain the Design of Direct Open Moulds

Sustainable design aims at the creation of physical objects, environment and services that complies to optimize social, economic, and ecological impact. QFD is able to assess the product design by the choice and definition of parameters that can be qualitatively discussed. The purpose of design is to meet a need in new ways and in innovative ways. In this context, the QFD aims at evaluating the quality of a design process. TRIZ is a design method that aim at defining and overcome some critical issue that can affect the development of a product, by means of potential innovative solutions. In this paper QDF and TRIZ analysis have been adopted in order to validate a design method for direct open moulds, by a new strategy: hybrid manufacturing can reduce the production time, the use of material, the energy and the waste consumption, employing subtractive and addictive techniques efficiently combined.