Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
This thesis explores the possibilities that implementing additive manufacturing would bring to manufacturer within mobile hydraulics. To discuss and draw conclusions in the topic, redesigns of current products will be made to better suit AM. By producing several prototypes, the design develops along with the project. Then measurements and calculations regarding print efficiency, material efficiency and mechanical suitability are made to give insight into the current capabilities of AM.
Industrial development within environmental and digitalization questions are a high priority today for manufacturers. AM shows promising potential that can further develop manufacturing processes to better cope with these important aspects. By reducing part weight and material waste as well as being a cornerstone in industry 4.0 shows the potential importance that AM can have among future manufacturers.
Parker Hannifin MSDE is an industry leader in manufacturing hydraulic valves, supplying heavy machine manufacturers with hydraulic valves enabling their machines to move and conduct their work. In this project a directional control valve and a corresponding component will be redesigned to suit AM. Prototypes will be made and evaluated through the design process, resulting in a SLM-printed steel spool actuator.
The SBW110 currently consist of three sections made of cast iron. One of which is casted with inner channels while the other two are machined from metal blanks. By redesigning for AM, a part weight reduction is believed to be 50% for the SBW110 and 75% for the spool actuator. At the same time as wasted material is estimated to be reduced by over 90% in both cases. It was also shown that the SLM printed spool actuator had similar if not better surface characteristics than casted counterparts.
The effects of implementing AM will be dependent on how and where it is implemented. The usual implementation in the industry is towards development and prototyping. Implementing AM deep within an organization can bring drastic differences in how the organization operates, raising the need for further research. Some of the effects that deep implementation can have includes, supply chain, logistics and customer relations, to name a few.
2022. , p. 67