Polymer-based 3D printing of function-integrated optomechanics

design guidelines and system evaluation

verfasst von

Fabian Kranert, Moritz Hinkelmann, Roland Lachmayer, Jörg Neumann, Dietmar Kracht

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to extend the known design guidelines for the polymer-based fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing process with the focus on function-integrated components, specifically optomechanical parts. The potential of this approach is demonstrated by manufacturing function-integrated optomechanics for a low-power solid-state laser system. Design/methodology/approach: For the production of function-integrated additively manufactured optomechanics using the FFF process, essential components and subsystems have been identified for which no design guidelines are available. This includes guidelines for integrating elements, particularly optics, into a polymer structure as well as guidelines for printing functional threads and ball joints. Based on these results, combined with prior research, a function-integrated low-power solid-state laser optomechanic was fabricated via the FFF process, using a commercial 3D printer of the type Ultimaker 3. The laser system's performance was assessed and compared to a reference system that employed commercial optomechanics, additionally confirming the design guidelines derived from the study. Findings: Based on the design goal of function integration, the existing design guidelines for the FFF process are systematically extended. This success is demonstrated by the fabrication of an integrated optomechanic for a solid-state laser system. Practical implications: Based on these results, scientists and engineers will be able to use the FFF process more extensively and benefit from the possibilities of function-integrated manufacturing. Originality/value: Extensive research has been published on additive manufacturing of optomechanics. However, this research often emphasizes only cost reduction and short-term availability of components by reprinting existing parts. This paper aims to explore the capabilities of additive manufacturing in the production of function-integrated components to reduce the number of individual parts required, thereby decreasing the workload for system assembly and leading to an innovative production process for optical systems. Consequently, where needed, it provides new design guidelines or extends existing ones and verifies them by means of test series.

Organisationseinheit(en)

Institut für Produktentwicklung und Gerätebau
PhoenixD: Simulation, Fabrikation und Anwendung optischer Systeme

Externe Organisation(en)

Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH)

Typ

Artikel

Journal

Rapid prototyping journal

Band

30

Seiten

246-258

Anzahl der Seiten

13

ISSN

1355-2546

Publikationsdatum

28.08.2024

Publikationsstatus

Veröffentlicht

Peer-reviewed

Ja

ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete

Maschinenbau, Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen und Fertigungstechnik

Elektronische Version(en)

https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-02-2023-0073 (Zugang: Offen)