Geometry and procedure for benchmarking SFF and hybrid fabrication process resolution

Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to share with the solid freeform fabrication community a new procedure and benchmark geometries for evaluating SFF process capabilities. The procedure evaluates the range capability of various SFF and SFF-based hybrid processes in producing rod and hole elements. Design/methodology/approach-By following the procedure and using the appropriate combination of benchmark parts the user can determine the minimal rod and hole size capabilities of an SFF or SFF-based process. Benchmark parts are designed to capture feature size limitations, build angle problems, and aspect ratio capabilities. Findings-The geometries and procedure were found to work for evaluating simple rod and hole elements resulting from SFF-based processes. Research limitations/implications-Future work could address slot and wall features using a similar procedure. Mechanical properties and performance of resulting parts are not within the scope of this procedure. Practical implications-The procedure and benchmaking geometries could be employed for a range of scales down to the nano scale. The use of this procedure will lead to practical design inputs for the SFF-based fabrication of components consisting of optimized lattice structures. Originality/value-Limited published benchmarking procedures are available to the SFF community. This is the first systematic procedure proposed to evaluate SFF processes for "Rod" and "Hole" capabilities.