Post-Processing and Quality Assurance in AM: Work Stages After Printing is Finished

LUT University

INTRODUCTION

Learn about operations that follow the additive manufacturing process and how post-processing contributes to part quality.

DESCRIPTION

After the part has been printed, one can not just remove it from the platform and start using it right away. Firstly, after the printing is done, the powder surrounding the part has to be removed. Secondly, depending on the necessity, heat treatment might be needed for relieving internal tensions and unifying the microstructure. Then, as the part is essentially welded on the build platform, it must be sawn off and supports must be removed. After that, machining operations to improve surface roughness or quality of certain features will follow. Finally, the part undergoes the inspection and quality testing. This course gives an overview of post-processing steps and explains what happens after metal part printing is finished.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

This course is for engineers, product designers, system-, material and process providers, SMEs, R&D institutions and for those who wish to learn about workflow and steps involved in metal additive manufacturing.

NUMBER OF WEEKS / HOURS PER WEEK

  • 4 weeks, approximately 1 hour per week

EDUCATORS

  • Heidi Piili, piili@lut.fi
  • Anna Unt, anna.unt@lut.fi

WHAT are the learning outcomes for this course?

After completing this course, the learners will be able to:

  • Describe the production steps that follow the printing process
  • Discuss about different methods and their functionality
  • Identify the common problems that post processing can improve
  • Explain what changes happen to the part as a result of post processing

WHAT subjects are covered on the course?

  • The production steps after the printing has finished
  • Factors determining the need for post processing operations
  • Methods to improve surface quality of the prints
  • Post processing phases and what happens during them

WHY should learners join this course?

All metal 3D printed parts require some level of post processing. In industrial additive manufacturing, post-processing can be one of the main bottlenecks limiting the speed of production. Post-processing operations serve mainly two purposes: improving mechanical and aesthetic properties of the printed part. The course provides an overview of post processing operations following the printing of the metal parts and explains their necessity in fabrication process. The learners will gain a perspective about operations that follow the printing process.

PLATFORM

Moodle is the interactive learning environment of Lappeenranta University of Technology.
https://moodle.lut.fi/

FEEDBACK

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