Department - Author 1

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Date

6-2016

Primary Advisor

Joseph Mello

Abstract/Summary

We are looking to improve upon the current post processing techniques for metal additive manufacturing (AM). This project, sponsored by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), will investigate ways to improve the design of stainless steel 316 parts made by AM, and how these designs will help with post processing techniques. We hope that the findings regarding stainless steel will apply to to improve the AM and post processing handshake in general. In particular, the project will focus on including different features in different basic part design shapes to aid in fixturing and post-processing of the part made by AM. This will largely focus on including features for kinematic mounting that can be used to fixture the part in a machine for post processing or for inspection. Kinematic mounts will be added to parts that are to be milled and extension will be added to parts processed by the mill. This type of mounting can improve the accuracy of the part orientation in the machines as well as making positioning of the part more easily repeatable. Various ways of incorporating these mounts into the part design will be tested with post-processing to determine the most beneficial configuration. The information gathered will be used to create a design guide for LLNL to use with their AM processes when determining which type of mounting system would be the most useful in each situation.

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