The usage of 3D printing in the analysis of the product design: Case: Electronic enclosure of compact pressure transmitter

Abstract

Additive manufacturing involves manufacturing of products with complex geometry in relatively small quantities, as well as the tools and molds manufacturing for mass production. With additive manufacturing, digital models are being realized and implementation is huge in various industrial sectors. Compared to traditional manufacturing, the main parameters in the choice of additive technology are: energy savings, waste reduction, reduced use of more tools and optimization of design. Additive manufacturing or 3D printing technology works on the principle of adding material in layers, i.e. the model is formed from layers of molten material that is immediately cooled and solidified. 3D printing allows to work with customers to solve design problems before embarking on a launch production. The starting material for the model is polyactic acid (PLA). It is an eco-friendly thermoplastic polyester, that breaks down naturally. The mechanical characteristics of the realized PLA model are significantly influenced by various technological variables, such as following: nozzle diameter, thickness of defined layer, percentage of fill, sample size to be filled, filling rate and production temperature. The aim of this paper is to present the process of realization of an electronics enclosure for a compact pressure transmitter on a 3D printer. This gives the designer the possibility to correct existing errors, modify the product according to the wishes of the end users and finally provides a starting point for the prototype of new product.

Keywords

• additive manufacturing
• 3d printing
• pla
• nozzle
• electronic enclosure
• transmitter