Advances in Additive Manufacturing Processes in Achieving Productivity

Authors

  • C. E. Oppon Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cape Coast Technical University, Ghana.
  • P. Hackney Mechanical and Construction Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom.
  • I. Shyha Mechanical and Construction Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing which is also referred as three dimensional printing. Even though the technique has had remarkable improvements since its emergence over 25 years ago, still faces several technical challenges related to material characterization and availability compared with other conventional techniques.  This paper aims at investigating the impact of additive manufacturing in achieving productivity. The objectives are to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the techniques. The methodology adopted was textual analysis of existing works. It provides a radically new method of production that enables new and better designs to be realised at lower cost with enhanced productivity and greater sustainability. It also transform supply chains and the way businesses operate that will result in completely new business models. The strengths identified are part complexity; material types and low volume production – advantage and the weaknesses are large parts; high accuracy and surface finish; high-volume production; and material properties.

Author Biographies

C. E. Oppon, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cape Coast Technical University, Ghana.

A Senior Lecturer with the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cape Coast Technical University, Ghana.

P. Hackney, Mechanical and Construction Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom.

He is an Enterprise Fellow at the Mechanical and Construction Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom.


I. Shyha, Mechanical and Construction Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom.

He is an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering and the Director of postgraduate research in the Faculty of Engineering and Environment with interdisciplinary research experience in advanced machining technology and composite materials. Dr Shyha is also the leader of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Research Group at Northumbria University and the programme leader of MSc in Pipeline Integrity Management.

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Published

2018-12-18

How to Cite

Oppon, C. E., Hackney, P., & Shyha, I. (2018). Advances in Additive Manufacturing Processes in Achieving Productivity. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH, 4(2), 227–241. Retrieved from https://www.ajaronline.com/index.php/AJAR/article/view/294

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2018): AFRICAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH

Section

Articles

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