| Abstract [eng] |
This master's thesis evaluates the possibilities of applying additive manufacturing technology to produce plastic prototypes at company X. The project aims to investigate whether AM can be an effective alternative to the existing prototype production technology, which uses CNC milling machines HASS VF 3SS. The possibilities are assessed by production time, quality, design flexibility, production costs, and the efficiency of material use. The first part of the work includes a literature review, which examines the advantages and disadvantages of traditional manufacturing technologies and AM. The CNC milling technology used by company X is also evaluated. It was found that although prototypes produced using CNC technology meet high-quality requirements, they require high costs and flexibility. AM technology, such as FDM printing, offers an alternative that allows reducing material waste, speeding up processes, and maintaining quality at the same time. During the work, a sequence of technological operations of the AM process was created, and adapted to the production of plastic prototypes. This sequence includes the creation of a 3D model in a CAD environment, optimization of the model using PrusaSlicer software, and production using the Original Prusa Mini+ 3D printer. Various experimental studies used in the work have shown that AM technology can ensure sufficient quality of prototypes, and their production time and costs are significantly lower than when produced by CNC milling machines. In addition, the project provides a calculation of the overall efficiency of CNC milling equipment, using data from the last year, collected from available production data sources. The physical properties of parts produced by CNC milling and AM technology are also compared and different measurements are performed to determine the differences in surface roughness, contours, hardness, and surface deviation. The results of the economic assessment showed that it could be beneficial for company X to integrate AM technology into production processes, as this would allow optimizing prototype production and reducing costs. At the end of the work, 4 conclusions are presented, emphasizing the potential of AM technology to change traditional plastic prototype production practice at company X. |
