Cyber-enabled manufacturing systems for additive manufacturing

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to study cyber-enabled manufacturing systems (CeMS) for additive manufacturing (AM). The technology of AM or solid free-form fabrication has received considerable attention in recent years. Several public and private interests are exploring AM to find solutions to manufacturing problems and to create new opportunities. For AM to be commercially accepted, it must make products reliably and predictably. AM processes must achieve consistency and be reproducible. Design/methodology/approach - An approach we have taken is to foster a basic research program in CeMS for AM. The long-range goal of the program is to achieve the level of control over AM processes for industrial acceptance and wide-use of the technology. This program will develop measurement, sensing, manipulation and process control models and algorithms for AM by harnessing principles underpinning cyber-physical systems (CPS) and fundamentals of physical processes. Findings - This paper describes the challenges facing AM and the goals of the CeMS program to meet them. It also presents preliminary results of studies in thermal modeling and process models. Originality/value - The development of CeMS concepts for AM should address issues such as part quality and process dependability, which are key for successful application of this disruptive rapid manufacturing technology.