Maintenance Framework for Repairing Partially Damaged Parts Using 3D Printing

Abstract

Additive manufacturing via 3D printing can enable the efficient and cost-effective replacement of damaged parts that can be produced at any manufacturing location and even when the parts are discontinued but their 3D CAD models are available. In addition, damaged portions of a part can be reconstructed by utilizing 3D printing. However, using a 3D printer requires a skilled operator with knowledge of this technology and other technical aspects. Hence, in this research, a user-friendly maintenance framework has proposed for any operator to repair partially damaged parts using 3D printing without requiring expert technical support. The framework includes a parts catalog with information necessary for 3D printing, a search module for automatically identifying damaged parts without prior knowledge about the part, and a shape comparison module for validation of the repaired part through damage detection and error measurement. Design and implementation of a maintenance support system based on the proposed framework are explained and the result of conducted experiment with a damaged ball from a valve to verify its performance is presented. © 2019, Korean Society for Precision Engineering.