The project intends to initiate research activities related development of a hybrid additive manufacturing technology based on 3D printing and robotised incremental sheet forming (ISF) of multi-material/functional structures (i.e. biocompatible, antibacterial, aesthetically personalized, static-dissipative, electrically or thermally conductive, etc.), which will be designed via AI-assisted workflow for applications in health devices (e.g. cranial implants, personal protective equipment (shields, etc.) and transport vehicles (e.g. protective or aerodynamic components, etc.). The project addresses several strategic priorities in the worldwide context such as AMI2030 ‘Materials Innovation Markets (MIMs)’, ManuFuture ETP objectives, Digital Europe Programme and national strategic priorities related to AI-based solutions. The main tasks undertaken in this project include development of: customized multi-layer and multi-functional materials; model-based engineering methodology for AI- and Perydinamics-assisted design and numerical evaluation of biocomposite; robotised incremental sheet forming process and tool for manufacturing of the multi-material/functional biocomposite structures; complete AI-assisted model-based engineering and robotised hybrid additive manufacturing process workflow including process control/feedback system. The novelty of the the project is a synergistic combination of: additive, formative and extrusion manufacturing techniques, AI-assisted design of the multi-functional biocomposite structures for application in health and transportation devices, simulations based on advanced numerical methods (FEMU, Perydinamics) enabling more accurate assessment of ISF process and damage prediction, ISF of NNS specimens made of multi-functional materials and process control system based on noncontact 3D scanning.
Project funding:
Projects funded by the Research Council of Lithuania (RCL), Projects carried out by researchers’ teams
Project results:
Expected scientific outputs. Each of them is expected to provide scientific outputs:
1. Development of customized multi-layer and multi-functional materials provide new materials for scientific, social and industrial societies. The obtained results will provide knowledge about material production technology.
2. Model-based engineering for AI-assisted design and numerical evaluation of biocomposite structures for health and transportation technologies will provide a novel method for designing more sustainable and cost-effective structures. Obtained results will lead to robust and more accurate theoretical model for ISF process (but not limiting to this) damage evaluation.
3. Research and development of robotised ISF process and tool for manufacturing biocomposite structures will provide a novel tool and technology for manufacturing customized thin-wall multi-functional biocomposite structures.
4. Complete AI-assisted model-based engineering and robotised hybrid additive manufacturing technology including process control/feedback system will provide a prototype of unique technology for health and transportation technologies. Developed technology corresponds to various worldwide missions and strategies related to manufacturing processes, customized multi-functional biocomposite structures and uses of AI for creating more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions.
Developed technology is expected to be patented in patent bureau of Lithuania. Preliminary title of patent: “AI-assisted model-based engineering and robotised hybrid additive manufacturing technology of customized multi-material biocomposite structures”.
Period of project implementation: 2024-09-02 - 2027-08-31
Project coordinator: Kaunas University of Technology
