CONCEPT DESIGN FOR OPTIMIZING MASS PRODUCTION PROCESSES WITH 3D PRINTER IN THE INDUSTRY

Abstract

This study deals with the conceptual design of three-dimensional (3D) printer technology for process optimization in industrial production. While initially 3D printers were primarily used for rapid prototyping, advancements in technology have transformed them into a new technology for mass production. Within the scope of this study, firstly, investigations were conducted on how Industry 4.0 technologies (internet of things (IoT), smart factories) are utilized on the production line. The first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, which is used in communication between objects (3D printer, industrial robot arm, conveyor belt, and assembly unit), has been elaborated in detail. The aim of this study is to comprehensively address and convey how Industry 4.0 technologies increase production speed and efficiency in mass production processes through the created conceptual design. In the obtained conceptual design, even though the production line has been kept limited, every stage of the production process has been thoroughly explained and examined from start to finish. Within the scope of the study, sample data of the production stages are presented with the sample software called 3D Production and Automation Software (3D MAS), which was developed using the C# programming language on Microsoft Visual Studio Community 2022 IDE. In the next study, efforts can be directed towards expanding the limited production line presented in this work, introducing other Industry 4.0 technologies, and incorporating them into the conceptual design of the production process.