3D-Printed "Smart" Shaft Introduces AI Possibilities
VTT Technical Research Centre introduces a process for 3D printing a metal shaft with embedded sensors.
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has 3D-printed a “smart” shaft, using a process which the company says is a step toward artificial intelligence (AI) development. The overall process management chain includes 3D printing, sensor technology, wireless data transfer and condition monitoring in the same package. The company’s methods are designed to enable the creation of new business models and to provide a competitive edge in developing AI.
According to the company, the research focus was the creation of a way for sensors to form a functional part of a 3D-printed metal structure. The resulting methods enable a range of sensors or smart identifications to be added to 3D-printed metal parts during manufacture. The sensors can track the performance and condition of machines or devices, or verify the authenticity of the parts.
During the manufacturing phase, an accelerometer and wiring are embedded into a 3D-printed metal shaft for a friction bearing. Electronics allowing wireless communication are installed onto the bearing allowing wireless data to be directly and rapidly transferred from the component to the cloud. This could lead to developments in artificial intelligence, the company says.
The method provides the designer with a large degree of freedom compared to traditional manufacturing methods, the company says, as it enables sensors to provide up-to-date information such as maintenance status without breaks in production.
Possible applications include industrial manufacturing, energy, mining and transport. Embedded sensors are designed for demanding conditions, the company says, because the sensors and wiring are protected inside the component, and normal functioning is unimpeded by extraneous wiring on the surfaces of structures.
Related Content
-
Artificial Intelligence and Additive Manufacturing Are Connected: AM Radio #36
Stephanie Hendrixson and Peter Zelinski discuss how AI and AM go together. There are already plenty of uses of AI in 3D printing for design, process planning and process monitoring, and the link will grow stronger as the “frictionlessness” of AI blends with that of AM.
-
EOS, Hyperganic Partnership to Elevate Space Components
Integration of Hyperganic Core, an AI-powered engineering software platform, with EOS’ digital additive manufacturing solutions aims to advance the space propulsion field.
-
5 Observations From Dr. Tim Simpson About the State of Additive Manufacturing So Far
The outgoing co-director of Penn State’s CIMP-3D takes stock of how far AM has come, aided in no small part through the work of the organization he helped to lead.