Optimal shape design of printing nozzles for extrusion-based additive manufacturing

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2024

Autores

Schuller, T (Autor) Outra; Jalaal, M (Autor) Outra; Fanzio, P (Autor) Outra; Galindo Rosales, FJ (Autor) FEUP

Revista

A Revista está pendente de validação pelos Serviços Administrativos.

Título: ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

Vol. 84

ISSN: 2214-8604

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citações

Scopus - 0 Citações

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-010-AWK

DOI: 10.1016/j.addma.2024.104130

Abstract (EN): The optimal design seeks the best possible solution(s) for a mechanical structure, device, or system, satisfying a series of requirements and leading to the best performance. In this work, optimized nozzle shapes have been designed for a wide range of polymer melts to be used in extrusion-based additive manufacturing, which aims to minimize pressure drop and allow greater flow control at large extrusion velocities. This is achieved with a twofold approach, combining a global optimization algorithm with computational fluid dynamics for optimizing a contraction geometry for viscoelastic fluids and validating these geometries experimentally. In the optimization process, variable coordinates for the nozzle's contraction section are defined, the objective function is selected, and the optimization algorithm is guided within manufacturing constraints. Comparisons of flow-type and streamline plots reveal that the nozzle shape significantly influences flow patterns. Depending on the rheological properties, the optimized solution either promotes shear or extensional flow, enhancing the material flow rate. Finally, experimental validation of the nozzle performance assessed the actual printing flow, the extrusion force and the overall print control. It is shown that optimizing the nozzle can significantly reduce backflow-related pressure drop, positively impacting total pressure drop (up to 41 %) and reducing backflow effects. This work has real-world implications for the additive manufacturing industry, offering opportunities for increased printing speeds, enhanced productivity.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 18