Open Access
Benefits of aeronautical preform manufacturing through arc-directed energy deposition manufacturing
(MDPI, 2023) Suárez, Alfredo; Ramiro, Pedro; Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Ballesteros Egüés, Tomás; Villanueva Roldán, Pedro; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
The paper introduces an innovative aerospace component production approach employing Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technology to fabricate near-finished preforms from Ti6Al4V titanium. Tensile tests on WAAM Ti6Al4V workpieces demonstrated reliable mechanical properties, albeit with identified anisotropic behavior in horizontal samples, underscoring the need for optimization. This alternative manufacturing strategy addresses the challenges associated with machining forged preforms, marked by a high Buy To Fly (BTF) ratio (>10), leading to material wastage, prolonged machining durations, elevated tool expenses, and heightened waste and energy consumption. Additionally, logistical and storage costs are increased due to extended delivery timelines, exacerbated by supply issues related to the current unstable situation. The utilization of WAAM significantly mitigates initial BTF, preform costs, waste production, machining durations, and associated expenditures, while notably reducing lead times from months to mere hours. The novelty in this study lies in the application of Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technology for the fabrication of titanium aircraft components. This approach includes a unique height compensation strategy and the implementation of various deposition strategies, such as single-seam, overlapping, and oscillating.
Open Access
The use of virtual sensors for bead size measurements in wire-arc directed energy deposition
(MDPI, 2024) Fernández Zabalza, Aitor; Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Suárez, Alfredo; Alfaro López, José Ramón; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
Having garnered significant attention in the scientific community over the past decade, wire-arc directed energy deposition (arc-DED) technology is at the heart of this investigation into additive manufacturing parameters. Singularly focused on Invar as the selected material, the primary objective revolves around devising a virtual sensor for the indirect size measurement of the bead. This innovative methodology involves the seamless integration of internal signals and sensors, enabling the derivation of crucial measurements sans the requirement for direct physical interaction or conventional measurement methodologies. The internal signals recorded, the comprising voltage, the current, the energy from the welding heat source generator, the wire feed speed from the feeding system, the traverse speed from the machine axes, and the temperature from a pyrometer located in the head were all captured through the control of the machine specially dedicated to the arc-DED process during a phase of optimizing and modeling the bead geometry. Finally, a feedforward neural network (FNN), also known as a multi-layer perceptron (MLP), is designed, with the internal signals serving as the input and the height and width of the bead constituting the output. Remarkably cost-effective, this solution circumvents the need for intricate measurements and significantly contributes to the proper layer-by-layer growth process. Furthermore, a neural network model is implemented with a test loss of 0.144 and a test accuracy of 1.0 in order to predict weld bead geometry based on process parameters, thus offering a promising approach for real-time monitoring and defect detection.
Open Access
Wire arc additive manufacturing of invar parts: bead geometry and melt pool monitoring
(Elsevier, 2022-02-15) Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Suárez, Alfredo; Aldalur, Eider; Artaza, Teresa; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
Additive manufacturing processes using the direct energy deposition method, one of which is the Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), have gained much attention in the scientific community over the last decade. The application of WAAM to Invar, an iron-nickel and manganese alloy, with a low amount of chromium carbon, also called FeNi36 or Nivarox has been the subject of various reports due to its challenging nature. This paper utilizes and unifies research material previously investigated in this technology, taking a new approach based on the study of symmetrical phenomena that guarantee the quality of the process. On the one hand, a method of analysis of the geometry of the manufactured wall is presented based on its symmetrical quality which guarantees the maximum use of material and, on the other hand, the monitoring of the symmetry of the melting pool utilizing thermography techniques.
Open Access
Analysis of the machining process of short carbon fiber-reinforced polyamide additive manufactured parts
(Elsevier, 2024) Suárez, Alfredo; Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Penalva Oscoz, Mariluz; Ramiro, Pedro; Ballesteros Egüés, Tomás; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
In recent years, additive manufacturing technologies have revolutionized the production of parts, particularly in the aeronautical sector. This new manufacturing paradigm has created significant challenges and opportunities for researchers in materials and manufacturing processes. One important aspect is the development of optimal strategies for finishing-oriented machining of parts produced through additive manufacturing. This article focuses on the analysis of reinforced polyamide materials and the integration of large-scale additive manufacturing using Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) technology, along with robotic systems for subtractive machining. The aim is to explore the potential of integrating additive and subtractive processes to produce high-quality, large-scale components. The study examines the production and subsequent machining of reinforced polyamide parts using BAAM technology, showcasing the advantages and promising results observed. By combining additive manufacturing with subtractive machining, this research contributes to the ongoing advancements in the field of manufacturing, particularly in relation to reinforced polyamide materials. The findings presented in this article shed light on the potential of integrating additive and subtractive processes in the manufacturing industry, paving the way for more efficient and high-quality production methods.
Open Access
Modeling of cutting force and final thickness for low stiffness 2024-T3 aluminum alloy part milling considering its geometry and fixtures
(Elsevier, 2022) Casuso, Mikel; Rubio Mateos, Antonio; Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Lamikiz, Aitzol; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
The aeronautic industry is facing many challenges regarding the lifetime, weight and accuracy that aircraft skins must comply to meet stringent structural and aerodynamic requirements. Currently, mechanical milling of aircraft skin parts of 2024-T3 aluminum alloy is displacing the highly pollutant chemical milling. Consequently, flexible and reconfigurable vacuum holding fixtures are being increasingly employed, because they are adaptable to several part geometries, but, since their rigidity is extremely reduced, the low stiffness of parts limits severely their deployment. Aiming to harness the full potential of these holding systems for aluminum alloy skin parts, a complete analysis of final thickness achieved and cutting force is developed. Thin floor parts of different geometries are pocket milled, simply screwed at their corners, emulating a skin part supported by four vacuum cups. Process forces are continuously monitored, and final thickness is measured. It has been proven that the reduction of mass and stiffness during milling causes a corresponding reduction of the natural frequencies of the parts. Also, as long as natural frequencies are not excited, final thickness error is almost constant and not affected by the tool position, but only by the initial geometry and fixtures distribution of the part. Additionally, a new cutting force model for skin parts is empirically calculated. Unlike models designed for fully supported parts, this model is designed for skins held in flexible fixtures. It has a relative error of 5.6% and it allows to optimize the trajectory, geometry and support distribution, thus boosting the use of flexible fixtures.
Open Access
Validation of the use of concept maps as an evaluation tool for the teaching and learning of mechanical and industrial engineering
(Springer, 2024) Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Gil del Val, Alain; Iriondo, Edurne; Eslava Adot, Urko; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
This paper presents the experimental work developed to measure the learning process through concept map analysis. The development of a concept map is requested by the students for each chapter or theme of the subject. As a result, maps from engineering courses have been analyzed. The measurements carried out consider several parameters, such as individual and team map building, student progressive knowledge level, and map complexity. Concerning the complexity analysis, the focus is qualitative, and it is based on the data extracted from the concept maps elaborated by the students. The study, conducted during the 2018-2019 academic year, included students from various academic levels and institutions, such as the Public University of Navarra UPNA and the University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU, covering first-degree students of Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and first-degree students of Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering at UPNA, third-degree students of Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering at UPV-EHU. The data collected from 37 individual maps in Industrial Drawing, 31 group maps in Industrial Drawing, 12 individual maps in Design of Machinery, and 12 group maps in Design of Machinery, along with a control group of 79 students who did not participate in any activity, provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of concept maps for evaluating understanding levels and learning outcomes across various engineering subjects and academic levels. The learning outcome of the students is treated to obtain the level of understanding of complex systems shown by the students through the concept maps previously drawn and the questionnaire answered by each student about the achievement of learning results through the use of concept maps. This work shows the research methodology established and the learning results achieved qualitatively: measuring the maps by means of a rubric, self-assessment based on a survey, and through the questionnaires. Also, the results obtained in the final exams have been compared. From the observed results, this methodology is presented as a suitable alternative for evaluating the correct acquisition of concepts in online teaching situations.
Open Access
Application-oriented data analytics in large-scale metal sheet bending
(MDPI, 2023) Penalva Oscoz, Mariluz; Martín, Ander; Martínez, Víctor; Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Gil del Val, Alain; Ballesteros Egüés, Tomás; Favieres Ruiz, Cristina; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
The sheet-metal-forming process is crucial in manufacturing various products, including pipes, cans, and containers. Despite its significance, controlling this complex process is challenging and may lead to defects and inefficiencies. This study introduces a novel approach to monitor the sheet-metal-forming process, specifically focusing on the rolling of cans in the oil-and-gas sector. The methodology employed in this work involves the application of temporal-signal-processing and artificial-intelligence (AI) techniques for monitoring and optimizing the manufacturing process. Temporal-signal-processing techniques, such as Markov transition fields (MTFs), are utilized to transform time series data into images, enabling the identification of patterns and anomalies. synamic time warping (DTW) aligns time series data, accommodating variations in speed or timing across different rolling processes. K-medoids clustering identifies representative points, characterizing distinct phases of the rolling process. The results not only demonstrate the effectiveness of this framework in monitoring the rolling process but also lay the foundation for the practical application of these methodologies. This allows operators to work with a simpler characterization source, facilitating a more straightforward interpretation of the manufacturing process.
Open Access
Metal transfer modes for Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Al-Mg alloys: influence of heat input in microstructure and porosity
(Elsevier, 2021-06-28) Aldalur, Eider; Suárez, Alfredo; Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), an additive manufacturing technology for the manufacture of medium-to-large size metallic parts, is generating great interest. This technology employs aluminum alloys that are of immense interest for manufacturing, due to their high strength-weight ratio, corrosion resistance and utilization in different industries. Among these materials, some of the most widely used in various industrial fields are alloys classified within the 5000 series that are of good weldability and, consequently, very suitable for WAAM technology. In this paper, aluminum alloy 5356 is analyzed in the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)-based WAAM technological process. From among the various recommended working modes of different manufacturers, three working modes for aluminum alloys are compared: pulsed-GMAW mode, Cold Arc mode and pulsed-AC mode. To do so, test samples composed of single mono-layer weld beads and single-bead walls are manufactured using each working mode and micro and macro-structural properties, geometrical shape and porosity levels of the finished products are evaluated. As a novelty, this paper includes pulsed-AC as a new transfer mode for application on aluminum. Not only does it show its viability for the manufacture of parts by WAAM, but it also allows the reduction of the presence of pores by more than six times compared to Cold Arc mode and ten times compared to pulsed-GMAW mode. This aspect makes it a very attractive mode for use on this aluminum alloy.
Open Access
Novel sensorized additive manufacturing-based enlighted tooling concepts for aeronautical parts
(Springer Nature, 2024-07-31) Uralde Jiménez, Virginia; Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Suárez, Alfredo; López, Alberto; Goenaga, Igor; Ballesteros Egüés, Tomás; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC
This paper presents lightweight tooling concepts based on additive manufacturing, with the aim of developing advanced tooling systems as well as installing sensors for real-time monitoring and control during the anchoring and manufacturing of aeronautical parts. Leveraging additive manufacturing techniques in the production of tooling yields benefits in manufacturing flexibility and material usage. These concepts transform traditional tooling systems into active, intelligent tools, improving the manufacturing process and part quality. Integrated sensors measure variables such as displacement, humidity and temperature allowing data analysis and correlation with process quality variables such as accuracy errors, tolerances achieved and surface finish. In addition to sensor integration, additive manufacturing by directed energy arc and wire deposition (DED-arc) has been selected for part manufacturing. The research includes the mechanical characterisation of the material and the microstructure of the material once manufactured by DED-arc. Design for additive manufacturing" principles guide the design process to effectively exploit the capabilities of DED-arc. These turrets, equipped with sensors, allow real-time monitoring and control of turret deformation during clamping and manufacturing of aeronautical parts. As a first step, deformation monitoring is carried out within the defined tolerance of ± 0.15, which allows a control point to be established in the turret. Future analysis of the sensor data will allow correlations with process quality variables to be established. Remarkably, the optimised version of the turret after applying DED technology weighed only 2.2 kg, significantly lighter than the original 6 kg version. Additive manufacturing and the use of lightweight structures for fixture fabrication, followed by the addition of sensors, provide valuable information and control, improving process efficiency and part quality. This research contributes to the development of intelligent and efficient tool systems for aeronautical applications.
Open Access
Advancements and methodologies in directed energy deposition (DED-Arc) manufacturing: design strategies, material hybridization, process optimization and artificial intelligence
(IntechOpen, 2024-09-27) Uralde Jiménez, Virginia; Suárez, Alfredo; Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Villanueva Roldán, Pedro; Ballesteros Egüés, Tomás; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC
This chapter explores the latest advancements and methodologies in directed energy deposition (DED-arc) manufacturing. The introduction sets the stage for understanding the significance of these developments in the context of modern manufacturing needs. The discussion includes design strategies for DED-arc, emphasizing topological optimization, functional design, and generative design, alongside the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing design processes. Innovative approaches to material hybridization are detailed, focusing on both multilayer and in situ techniques for combining different materials to optimize component performance. The paper also covers slicing and pathing, examining slicing strategies, the use of lattice structures, and the implementation of 2D and 3D patterns to improve manufacturing efficiency and product quality. The conclusion summarizes key findings, discusses their implications for the additive manufacturing industry, and suggests potential future research directions in DED-arc technology, highlighting the emerging trends and innovations that are shaping the field.