72 MMS April 2017 mmsonline.com
ADDITIVE INSIGHTS
Columnist
AM often fail to realize that these support structures
are fabricated from the same material as the part
(titanium, in this case), as current powder-bed
fusion systems are limited to a single material. This
means large sections of the part need to be removed
before end use. The current solution? Clamp the
part in a vice and cut, file, grind and hack away the
support structures. Not a very advanced solution
for post-processing and finishing a lightweight part
made with advanced AM technology.
Support removal provides numerous challenges
for post-processing and machining: separation of
the part and supports from the build plate; estab-
lishing datums and reference points for the part
for machining; access and clearances to some
areas of the structure; and fixturing and workhold-
ing in the necessary orientations, to name just a
few. This is where AM gets complicated and the
reality is different from the hype. Only agile and
flexible machining facilities and practices, along
with creative and open-minded machining profes-
sionals, will be up to the task.
The part pictured on page 70 requires nearly two
dozen support structures to prevent it from distorting
during the 3D-printing process. These large support
structures will need to be removed before the part is
ready for end use.
Learn more about 3D printing
for production from Additive
M a nu f a ctu r i ng m ag a z i n e.
Visit additivemanufacturing.media.
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