Layout Guidelines for 3D Printing Devices

Abstract

3D printing methods are constantly gaining in popularity among investors, allowing for the production of products with a complex structure, and also used in the production of products with increasingly longer production series. It is planned to build factories (or those already under construction) in which 3D printing devices are the basic production devices. It is therefore important to develop guidelines and recommendations for layout design principles for additive technologies’ devices. A question should be asked: will the development of a layout for additive technology machines in future factories differ from the preparation of a layout plan, for example, removal machining devices? Is it safe to assume that the mathematical methods of optimizing the layout of Computerized Relative Allocation of Facilities Technique (CRAFT), Computerized Relationship Layout Planning (CORELAP), and Modified Spanning Tree (MST) workstations or Schmigalla triangles will also work for 3D printing machines and devices? In search of answers to these questions, the article will attempt to apply a selected mathematical method to optimize the layout of workstations when machines and devices of additive technology are deployed for the assumed technological process and implemented according to frequently used Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technologies. A sample layout will be prepared for the assumed production plan and selected 3D printing technologies. Requirements and guidelines relevant to the development of layout plans will be collected regarding the necessary space, installations, and connections.

Keywords

• layout
• 3D printing devices
• methods of optimizing the arrangement of workstations