Powder-based additive manufacturing (PAM) is a potential fabrication approach in advancing state-of-the-art research to produce intricate components with high precision and accuracy in near-net form. In PAM, the raw materials are used in powder form, deposited on the surface layer by layer, and fused to produce the final product. PAM composite fabrication for biomedical implants, aircraft structure panels, and automotive brake rotary components is gaining popularity. In PAM composite fabrication, the aluminium cast alloy is widely preferred as a metal matrix for its unique properties, and different reinforcements are employed in the form of oxides, carbides, and nitrides. However, for enhancing the mechanical properties, the carbide form is predominantly considered. This comprehensive study focuses on contemporary research and reveals the effect of metal carbide’s (MCs) addition to the aluminium matrix processed through various PAM processes, challenges involved, and potential scopes to advance the research.
The advancement of 3D-printing technology has ushered in a new era in the production of machine components, building materials, prototypes, and so on. In 3D-printing techniques, the infill reduces the amount of material used, thereby reducing the printing time and sustaining the aesthetics of the products. Infill patterns play a significant role in the property of the material. In this research, the mechanical properties of specimens are investigated for gyroid, rhombile, circular, truncated octahedron, and honeycomb infill structures (hexagonal). Additionally, the tensile properties of PLA 3D-printed objects concerning their infill pattern are demonstrated. The specimens were prepared with various infill patterns to determine the tensile properties. The fracture of the specimen was simulated and the maximum yield strengths for different infill structures and infill densities were determined. The results show the hexagonal pattern of infill holds remarkable mechanical properties compared with the other infill structures. Through the variation of infill density, the desired tensile strength of PLA can be obtained based on the applications and the optimal weight of the printed parts.
1 April 2017 in Materials Science and Engineering: A
Metal additive manufacturing (MAM) does not require any preface for its potential applications in various engineering and technological sectors. This article comprehensively discusses about the application of additive manufacturing technique specifically aerospace components. The structure of this article begins with an introduction to the current state‐of‐the‐art MAM technologies with the aid of patent landscape analysis. Any manufacturing starts with understating of the manufacturing cycle, so herein, the aerospace manufacturing cycle has been discussed commencing from the design phase and followed by the process parameters selection. The immediate effect after printing is the selection of evaluation parameters, wherein the surface texture analysis of AM printed components is discussed. This paves to discuss about the specific alloys such as titanium alloy and Inconel alloys which are widely used in the aerospace industry. This analysis paves a path for the utilization of these materials to manufacture specific aerospace components which are also discussed. Thereby, the impact of MAM over the aerospace sector and the guidelines to decision making on the suitable variant of MAM has been discussed clearly with the help of earlier literatures. Finally, the qualification and certification procedure are discussed therein, leading to the conclusion about the future scope of MAM in the aerospace sector.
Increasing global environmental problems and awareness towards the utilization of eco-friendly resources enhanced the progress of research towards the development of next-generation biodegradable and environmentally friendly material. The development of natural-based composite material has led to various advantages such as a reduction in greenhouse gases and carbon footprints. In spite of the various advantages obtained from green materials, there are also a few disadvantages, such as poor interfacial compatibility between the polymer matrix and natural reinforcements and the high hydrophilicity of composites due to the reinforcement of hydrophilic natural fibers. This review focuses on various moisture-absorbing and sound-absorbing natural fiber polymer composites along with the synopsis of preparation methods of natural fiber polymer composites. It was stated in various studies that natural fibers are durable with a long life but their moisture absorption behavior depends on various factors. Such natural fibers possess different moisture absorption behavior rates and different moisture absorption behavior. The conversion of hydrophilic fibers into hydrophobic is deemed very important in improving the mechanical, thermal, and physical properties of the natural-fiber-reinforced polymer composites. One more physical property that requires the involvement of natural fibers in place of synthetic fibers is the sound absorption behavior. Various researchers have made experiments using natural-fiber-reinforced polymer composites as sound-absorbing materials. It was found from various studies that composites with higher thickness, porosity, and density behaved as better sound-absorbing materials.
The present study focuses on optimization of operating parameters in wire electric discharge machining of AA2024 aluminium alloy reinforced with lithium and silicon nitride particles. Aluminium composite was produced through the two‐step stir casting route with the combination of 2% lithium and 10% silicon nitride reinforcements. Experiments were performed using the Taguchi design of experiments to optimize the selected input parameters such as pulse on time, pulse off time, current and wire feed for the response parameter, material removal rate, and surface roughness. An ANOVA‐based regression equation with genetic algorithm was used to optimize the input variables. The gray relational grade was also performed to optimize multiple performance characteristics. Taguchi‐based optimization analysis results in wire feed as the domination factor for material removal rate and surface roughness. Increased wire feed increases the material removal rate with good surface finish as confirmed from gray relational grade analysis. Regression equation generated results with minimum error (<2%) proving the accuracy of the investigation. A genetic algorithm‐based study also confirms the analysis of Taguchi and gray relational grade. The wire feed rate at 3 m/min and pulse on time of 120 microseconds were found to be similar for material removal rate and surface finish. Current at 50 A increases the material removal rate and current at 30 A results in good surface finish.