Implementing digital twinning in an additive manufacturing process chain

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) is defined as the process of joining materials layer by layer to produce a part. The Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM) of the Central University of Technology, Free State has successfully established an AM process chain to produce qualified medical implants. The process chain complies with the international standards ISO 13485:2016 and ISO 14971:2012, which certify the repeatability and reliability of processes. Despite the significant achievements CRPM has obtained in medical applications, efficiency in some areas can be improved through digital twinning approaches. The digital twin has comprehensive capabilities and allows real-time monitoring that can be used to improve different phases of AM processes. In this study, areas that need further improvement in the process chain, such as management information that flows between different users and processes for design and setting up AM machines, will be discussed. The study will further indicate how these areas can benefit from available advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR) technology and digital twin data management. Further implementation of this approach is expected to confirm the potential of easy self-learning approaches and managing data more effectively for improving the AM process chain.