Generative manufacturing

Two different principal manufacturing techniques, that is erosive and generative have been considered with the discussed materials. Following this, other techniques such as embossing or molding are included into the list of generative manufacturing techniques. 

Generative machining and assisted manufacturing that captures manufacturing and process know-how and automates repetitive NC frmctions... 

Computer-aided automation of process design requires a whole new approach to part manufacture and assembly planning. This centres on the decision logics, formulae, algorithms and data extractions. This approach is labelled as the Generative Method [4]. Examples of such procedures are Decision Trees, Decision Tables, Axiomatic and Expert systems. Regardless of their approach they remain complex in nature and this led to the specific applications, such as those in sheet metal fabrications and electronics manufacture, where parameters are more... 

This chapter is organized in five sections. The first reviews the various lasers used in laser micromachining and the principles of interaction of laser light with matter. The second section gives examples of laser ablation of polymers and their applications. Two other sections are devoted to surface modification and generative laser processes based on layered manufacturing. Finally, a number of other laser-based processes are presented, before concluding. 

Laser-based generative processes such as stereolithography and selective laser sintering are part of a group of techniques commonly known as layered manufacturing . These are rapid prototyping techniques that build up a 3D object (or physical model) layer by layer. They are used in fields like mechanical engineering, and more recently in medicine and health care, as they are fast and cost effective techniques for the manufacture of 3D parts. 

Generative laser-based techniques for 3D microfabrication are widely used and their importance is likely to grow as the need for rapid prototyping and manufacturing as well as customization of a variety of products is increasing. 

Molds Manufactured through Generative Manufacturing Procedures on the Example of LaserCUSING -Technology... 

All processes, including non-generative, manufacturing processes, and process combinations that allow a faster or cheaper manufacture of tool, mold inserts, molds, and gages, but for much lower production quantities than it is possible with conventional methods of mold making. The term includes all types of molding processes (see also Section f.fl). 

Generative manufacturing process for the direct production of tools, mold inserts, molds, and gages. 

This section deals exclusively with rapid tooling (for a more precise definition, see Section 4.7.2.4) in the sense of generative manufacturing of molds and mold inserts, see Point 3. 

A comparison of the characteristics of generative and non-generative processes is helpful to understand the possibilities and limitations of generative manufacturing processes. This discussion is postponed to the end of the section (Section 4.7.6) because the principles of generative manufacturing must first be known. 

The use of the generative manufacturing principle requires a complete 3-dimensional data set of the part to be manufactured. This aspect is not further discussed because 3D CAD designs are routinely used in mold making. 

FIGURE 4.129 Principle of generative manufacturing-layer construction principle... 

FIGURE 4.130 Data flow in generative manufacturing, especially in rapid tooling... 

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