Maintenance for FDM 321

3D printing

The process of producing a 3D object using a specialized tool that creates successive layers of material. 3D printing technically must involve the use of a print head or nozzle, but the term is often used interchangeably with additive manufacturing.

additive manufacturing

AM. The process of joining or solidifying materials to make an object based on a three-dimensional computer model. Additive manufacturing methods typically build up layers of material to create an object.

axes

An imaginary line or circle that is used to define the position of an object in space. The linear axes are the X, Y, and Z axes of the Cartesian coordinate system.

build chamber

The area contained within an additive manufacturing (AM) machine where the part is actually built. Many build chambers are enclosed and heated to improve the safety and quality of the manufacturing operation.

build tray

A thick sheet of material that rests on the platen in the build chamber. Build trays, which are typically sturdier than build sheets, provide a flat surface that a part can temporarily adhere to during the part build, rather than adhering to the platen itself.

canals

A pathway for material and debris to travel through. Canals are usually found in the platen of an FDM machine.

cyber attacks

An effort to disrupt, disable, or gain illegal access to a cyber network or device. Cyber attacks include hacking, phishing, and malware.

daily maintenance

A type of regular maintenance performed while a component is in working order to keep it from breaking down. Daily maintenance may include lubricating, tightening, and replacing worn parts.

data

A collection of numbers, information, or facts that is used as a basis for making conclusions. Data collected by manufacturers can include records of machine issues, customer order history, and raw material inventory.

extruder

A nozzle or mechanism that shapes and dispenses semi-solid material. Extruders are used in fused deposition modeling (FDM).

FDM

Fused Deposition Modeling. An additive manufacturing process that builds parts through extruding successive layers of material. FDM is one of the most accessible and affordable types of additive manufacturing, though it creates parts with poor surface finish and has relatively low build speed.

fused deposition modeling

FDM. An additive manufacturing process that builds parts through extruding successive layers of material. Fused deposition modeling is one of the most accessible and affordable types of additive manufacturing, though it creates parts with poor surface finish and has relatively low build speed.

fused filament fabrication

An additive manufacturing process that builds parts through extruding successive layers of material. Fused filament fabrication, sometimes referred to as fused deposition modeling (FDM), is one of the most accessible and affordable types of additive manufacturing, though it creates parts with poor surface finish and has relatively low build speed.

Industrial Internet of Things

IIoT. A network of physical devices used in manufacturing that contain computing systems that allow them to send and receive data. The Industrial Internet of Things allows devices to exchange data and automate processes without any human intervention.

liquefier

Changes material from a solid into a liquid. Liquefiers on an FDM machine melt the building material in the extruder assembly.

machine-to-machine

M2M. The transfer of data between machines and the internet without human interaction. Machine-to-machine communication relies on sensors.

maintenance

The necessary and basic support and repair of machines. Maintenance helps to reduce machine breakdowns and ensure user safety.

material extrusion

An additive manufacturing process that uses a nozzle to dispense material, usually a thermoplastic filament, onto a support. One example of material extrusion is the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process.

nozzle

A spout at the end of piping or tubing through which substances are funneled. Nozzles are used to distribute build material during some additive manufacturing processes.

OEM

An organization that provides parts and equipment to the supply chain. OEMs supply FDM machines that are used for industrial purposes.

original equipment manufacturer

OEMs. An organization that provides parts and equipment to the supply chain. Original equipment manufacturers supply FDM machines that are used for industrial purposes.

personal protective equipment

PPE. Any clothing or device worn to minimize exposure to hazards or prevent injury. Common additive manufacturing (AM) personal protective equipment includes gloves, safety goggles, and nonflammable clothing.

planned maintenance

Maintenance that is performed purposely and regularly to prevent machine deterioration or breakdown. Planned maintenance keeps machines running efficiently.

platen

The flat, built-in surface of the build chamber. Platens typically hold a build sheet or build tray.

predictive maintenance

A maintenance approach that involves collecting data related to machine operation in order to service a machine before maintenance issues arise. A predictive maintenance approach involves performing maintenance on a scheduled basis and helps prevent unscheduled downtime.

preventative maintenance

A type of maintenance performed while a component is in working order to keep it from breaking down. Preventative maintenance may include lubricating, tightening, and replacing worn parts.

purge bucket

On an FDM machine, a container that receives waste collected from the debris chute. Purge buckets should be emptied daily.

purge chute

A channel in the the back of the build chamber used to dispense waste. Purge chutes on FDM machines typically guide waste to the bottom of the build chamber or purge bucket.

quarterly

Every three months. Quarterly maintenance happens four times a year.

rapid prototyping

A product development technique in which additive manufacturing (AM) methods are used to create prototypes for a traditional manufacturing operation. Rapid prototyping allows engineers to quickly create a number of prototypes in a short time period, reducing lead time.

sensors

A device that detects a change in a physical stimulus and turns it into a signal that can be measured or recorded. Sensors allow FDM machines and other devices to interact with their environment and operate with little human intervention.

smart manufacturing

An information-driven, event-driven, collaborative orchestration of business and factories across the value chain. Smart manufacturing uses sensors, data, and analytical models to automate and prescribe action for various processes and situations.

software

Coded instructions or programs that control computer hardware functions and operations. Software is used as a platform to design additively manufactured parts.

USB drive

A small, portable memory card that can be used to store data, such as part programs. USB flash memory drives connect to the FDM machine through a USB port.

web browser

A program used to access and navigate the internet. Web browser software can potentially be hacked or infected with malware.