Artificial Intelligence in 3D Printing : Real-time 3D printing control

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the leading field of science nowadays. Machines can learn and complete tasks independently. Additive manufacturing (AM) is still a developing technology. However, 3D printing is much more than the production of plastic proto-types. The latest technologies of artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing are re-viewed in this thesis. The most developed and reliable technology is stereolithography (SLA) in 3D printing. Therefore, SLA 3D printing process has been taken as a basis for studying the interaction between artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing for finding and solving problems in the production process. Imperfections of SLA are identi-fied due to the visiting Ajatec factory where rapid prototypes and small batches of prod-ucts are manufactured with stereolithography. Stereolithography manufacturing and de-sign processes are described based on the literature and practical experience. Photopoly-mer materials and photopolymerization reaction are reviewed as well. Solutions, for achieving the control over the different parts of the SLA process, are presented and care-fully organized with algorithms and plans. Ajatec company can use this knowledge to start various projects associated with the optimization process of the real-time 3D printing control. Possibilities and prospects are discussed to give an understanding of the signifi-cant importance of AI with AM for the nearest future.