A neural network solution for LOM process performance

A neural network (NN) modeling approach is presented for the prediction of laminated object manufacturing (LOM) process performance. A NN was developed using experimental data which were conducted on a LOM 1015 machine according to the principles of Taguchi design of experiments (DoE) method. The process parameters considered in the experiment to investigate LOM process performance were nominal layer thickness (NLT), heater temperature (HT), platform retract (PR), heater speed (HS), laser speed (LS), feeder speed (FS), and platform speed (PS). LOM process performance is divided in dimensional errors in X and Y directions (Ex and Ey), actual layer thickness (ALT), average surface roughness of vertical supporting frame (VSF-R_a), and tensile strength in X direction (TSx). It was found that NN approach can be applied in an easy way on designed experiments and predictions can be achieved, fast and quite accurate. The developed NN is constrained by the experimental region in which the designed experiment is conducted. Thus, it is very important to select parameters’ levels as well as the limits of the experimental region and the structure of the orthogonal experiment. The above analysis is useful for LOM users when prediction of process performance is needed. This methodology could be easily applied to different materials and initial conditions for optimization of other Rapid Prototyping (RP) processes.