Additive Manufacturing for robotic Components
Diego MANFREDI (Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Space Human Robotics)
Additive Manufacturing (AM) refers to a process that builds up a component in layers, as opposed to a subtractive operation, which removes matter from a block of material to form a product. This approach permits to extend the freedom of design and manufacture by allowing, for example, to create an object with desired shape and internal structure in a single fabrication step.
The design of the part can be tailored to meet specific functions and properties using different materials: for example considering metals, AlSi10Mg alloy is used for parts with thin walls and complex geometry subjected to high loads, as in the aerospace and automotive industries, while Ti6Al4V alloy is ideal for many high-performance engineering applications, like in motor racing and for the production of biomedical implants. Moreover using AM production techniques can lead to significant business benefits, such as shorter time to market, higher production rate, versatility, ability to produce more functionality in the parts with unique design and engineered features. In this talk an overview of the main applications of AM in the robotic field will be performed, from 3D printed plastic to a lightweight, integrated aluminum component for the hydraulic actuation system of an agile legged robot.
