Machine-learning-based monitoring and optimization of processing parameters in 3D printing
Tariku Sinshaw Tamir, Gang Xiong, Qihang Fang, Yong Yang, Zhen Shen, MengChu Zhou, Jingchao Jiang
Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, is a rapidly growing technology. Guaranteeing the quality and mechanical strength of printed parts is an active research area. Most of the existing methods adopt open-loop-like Machine Learning (ML) algorithms that can be used only for predicting properties of printed parts without any quality assuring mechanism. Some closed-loop approaches, on the other hand, consider a single adjustable processing parameter to monitor the properties of a printed part. This work proposes both open-loop and closed-loop ML models and integrates them to monitor the effects of processing parameters on the quality of printed parts. By using experimental 3D printing data, an open-loop classification model formulates the relationship between processing parameters and printed part properties. Then, a closed-loop control algorithm that combines open-loop ML models and a fuzzy inference system is constructed to generate optimized processing parameters for better printed part properties. The proposed system realizes the application of a closed-loop control system to AM.