Browsing by Author "Duvenage, Barend Jacobus Lodewicus"

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    Towards a conceptual framework for the identification & implementation of additive manufacturing standards.
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04) Duvenage, Barend Jacobus Lodewicus; Van der Merwe, A. F.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Industrial Engineering.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Although it is widely apparent that additive manufacturing (AM) is set to replace conventional, subtractive manufacturing methods in many applications, much of the industry agrees that standards are a key obstacle to widespread adoption of the technology. However, in recent times collaborations such as that between ISO and ASTM International have resulted in many AM specific standards being produced, yet the field remains largely unstandardized due to the industry’s misperception that little AM standards exist. As such, this study seeks to determine how organisations can effectively and efficiently identify and implement AM standards. The main aim of this research is to use a systems engineering approach to develop a framework for the identification and implementation of standards that can be used by South African AM companies to increase their global competitiveness. An in-depth literature review was done to determine the various key concepts of which the problem comprises. This review considered why standards are important and how they can be identified, as well as how they should be stored and implemented. The literature review also includes a look at the key players in the field of AM standards development, followed by an exhaustive analysis of the current state of AM standards, from which it was determined that there are currently 30 Standards Development Organisations (SDO) active in the field, as well as 537 standards applicable to AMwith 144 of those being specifically developed for AM purposes. To address the research problem, a framework is developed to aid organisations in the identification, storage and implementation of standards. The resulting framework is based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act model, ensuring an element of continuous improvement. As such, the framework consists of three phases, with five stages within each phase. In order to validate the framework, various industry experts evaluated the framework to determine its usability and effectiveness. The framework is also tested on two medical case studies to refine it to the final proposed solution. Upon completion of the validation activities, it was determined that the framework is ready for beta testing. Not only does this research contain a rare analysis of the current state of AM standards, but the framework can be used to identify and implement standards to ensure the production of high quality products, thus increasing the global competitiveness of South African AM companies. The framework also facilitates newcomers in the field, thereby increasing adoption of the technology and simultaneously advancing the field.