ABS project focuses on model-based AM qualification to reduce cost and lead time for part approval.
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a maritime classification society, has announced a new project to develop a model-based additive manufacturing (AM) qualification framework for the maritime industry with the aim to reduce lead time and cost for AM part approvals.
Traditional manufacturing processes rely on physical tests for verification and validation of their mechanical performance, including test coupons, specimens and prototype components. Additive manufacturing, while also currently dependent on physical tests, may potentially leverage its digital manufacturing nature to adopt model-based approaches to streamline and enable rapid qualification.
“AM is commonly pitched as the solution to on-demand manufacturing, but a ‘next-day’ approval remains a practical challenge,” said Gu Hai, ABS vice president of technology, in a press release. “This novel method of model-based qualification is a promising approach for the rapid qualification of an AM part, potentially addressing such challenges associated with the qualification of AM applications which could lead to increased adoption of the technology within maritime.”
According to ABS, the framework will be refined based on evaluation results, with guidelines to be developed to implement the models for AM qualification of marine parts.
During the project, ABS will work with Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Mencast Marine. A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) will develop data-driven models to predict the probabilities of defect formations in AM parts for verification and validation, while Mencast Marine will provide industrial use cases to validate the developed models.
“A*STAR’s SIMTech is excited to work with ABS to refine their novel approach of model-based qualification, which will enhance the productivity of the maritime industry,” said Wang Wei, deputy executive director, research and development, A*STAR’s SIMTech. “SIMTech will work to develop data-driven models by collecting real-time data from sensors deployed for AM process monitoring, to derive insights on quality of AM parts and reduce the number of physical qualification tests.”
ABS has previously been involved in a range of AM initiatives, including a joint development project to manufacture and class a 3D-printed propeller. The ABS Requirements for Additive Manufacturing are available on the organization’s website.
