Additive manufacturing has transformed the production process by enabling the construction of components in a layer-by-layer approach. This study integrates Artificial Neural Networks to explore the nuanced relationship between process parameters and mechanical performance in Fused Filament Fabrication. Using a fractional Taguchi design, seven key process parameters are systematically varied to provide a robust dataset for model training. The resulting model confirms its accuracy in predicting tensile strength. In particular, the mean squared error is 0.002, and the mean absolute error is 0.024. These results significantly advance the understanding of 3D manufactured parts, shedding light on the intricate dynamics between process nuances and mechanical outcomes. Furthermore, they underscore the transformative role of machine learning in precision-driven quality prediction and optimization in additive manufacturing.

In times of digitalisation, visual assistance systems in assembly are increasingly important. The design of these assembly systems needs to be highly complex to meet the requirements. Due to the increasing number of variants in production processes, as well as shorter innovation and product life cycles, assistance systems should improve quality and reduce complexity of assembly processes. However, many large kitchen manufacturers still assemble kitchen cabinets manually, due to the high variety of components, such as rails and fittings. This paper focuses on the analysis and evaluation of virtual assistance systems to improve quality and usability in individualised kitchen cabinet assembly processes at a large German manufacturer. A solution is identified and detailed.

ABSTRACT

Biomimicry is a new science that examines natural models, takes inspiration from them, and imitates designs or processes to solve problems and create innovations. Thus, it creates a field of work that aims to produce products that are functional, sustainable, do not harm the environment, and are economical and durable, taking nature and its cycle as an example. Biology and design work go hand in hand with biomimicry applications to develop products using living organisms such as algae, bacteria, and fungi. Algae are photosynthetic organisms in almost all ecosystems, including various aquatic environments and land. Algae are classified as macroalgae or microalgae according to their size and morphological characteristics. Microalgae are microscopic, primarily unicellular, or simple multicellular, and prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Many microalgae can adapt to extreme conditions such as a wide range of temperatures, salinities, pH values, and light intensities. Microalgae convert carbon dioxide into valuable biologically active compounds through solar energy. Thus, they constitute one-third of the total biomass worldwide and contribute 50% of atmospheric oxygen. Secondary metabolites may consist of 50-70% protein and more than 10- 30% lipids and vitamins, in varying amounts depending on the species. Microalgae form a central basis for achieving sustainability. They accomplish this by reproducing rapidly, producing important products, and accumulating lipids and carbohydrates as storage materials to produce biofuels.

The functional properties of microalgae have directed the attention of researchers, engineers, and architects from different disciplines to investigate the use of microalgae for sustainability. Designers have begun to use microalgae, influenced by their life processes, functions and physiological structures in nature, to serve as a sustainable solution. These include creating oxygen-rich areas, producing, and developing transparent roof and exterior coating systems that can be used to help regenerate urban environments, biodegradable pigments for textile prints, lighting, biofilms and fillers. The focus of this study is to underline how microalgal systems can be used in industrial and technological applications by modelling microalgal systems through biomimicry applications and bioengineering. Thus, we aim to reveal how a versatile contribution can be made to sustainability using microalgae in biomimicry designs.

The current energy crisis and high fossil fuel costs are challenging energy intensive industries such as non- ferrous foundries. It is therefore important to promote the transition to renewable energy sources with the electrification of melting units. This pilot study is the first to simulate the transition of conventional foundries to sustainable technologies. For this purpose, a simulation model based on a selected example company is developed. It takes into account the energy consumption and the logistical effects of a converted operation. The simulation model is implemented as a hybrid simulation combining a discrete event simulation at the plant level and a process simulation within the furnaces. The study shows how a sustainable energy supply can be achieved in foundries. The effects of efficiency as well as energy costs and emissions are also taken into account.

LCD technology has been known for decades and used in the manufacture of components with photosensitive material (6K, 8K, polyurethane- based elastics resin, eco- and bioresins). The functional characteristics and aesthetics of components can be improved by adding reinforcing materials in the form of powders, pigments, or other additives. The paper presents the effects on the printing process with such a modified resin through a systematic approach. The modifications consisted in adding metallic powders with two different grain size (aluminum and copper). The results showed not only the possibility of successful printing but also problems that can occur during the processes. Several tests were carried out on a desktop LCD 3D printer, which makes the proposed approach applicable to any type of equipment.

One of the common welding methods for polymer rooftop sheets is the overlap welding by hot air either done manually for small parts or with a welding machine for long sheets. The weld quality depends on different parameters like the welding speed, the welding temperature or the pressure applied on the joining materials. Due to the field of application of rooftop sheets, there are other environmental influences like the ambient temperature, the air humidity or direct sunshine which can cause a decrease of the welding quality. This work will focus on a pre welding influence, the storage temperature of the rooftop sheets and how it affects the welding quality. Two poly vinyl chloride (PVC) rooftop sheets were chosen and tested separately. The materials were cut into small sheets, stored under different temperature conditions, and were welded afterwards. The welded samples were tested according to the DIN EN 12317-2 to determine the shear resistance of the weld as it is an important mechanical property and a good indicator for the quality of the weld. The results show a minor influence on the welding process but no influence on the quality of the weld itself as all weld lines of all samples managed to stay intact

• Sinkende Studierendenzahlen im MINT-Bereich stellen ein Problem für die Hochschulen und die Gesellschaft dar. Die Ursachen liegen u.a. darin, dass sich die Schülerinnen und Schüler den MINT-Anforderungen zunehmend nicht gewachsen fühlen oder diese wenig attraktiv finden. Beidem kann durch zielgruppenspezifische Angebote an den HAWs begegnet werden. In der Fakultät Technik der Hochschule Ansbach wurde im Verlauf der letzten acht Jahre ein Konzept entwickelt, in dem Teilnehmende vom Vorschulalter bis zum Abitur altersgemäß in Laborversuchen mit allen Sinnen angesprochen werden. Das Maßnahmenpaket besteht aus verschiedenen Präsenzangeboten vom einfachen spielerischen Experimentieren für Vorschulkinder bis hin zu Vertiefungsworkshops und Schnupperangeboten für Teilnehmende aus den Oberstufen. Um die hohe zeitliche Belastung der einzelnen Hochschulangehörigen zu reduzieren, werden die Maßnahmen fakultätsintern koordiniert und unter Einbeziehung möglichst vieler Fakultätsmitglieder realisiert.

Fused Filament Fabrication builds parts layer-wise by depositing molten thermoplastic in the shape of filaments. Those are characterized by thickness and width. Together with the deposition speed, they determine the material flow. Depending on the extrusion system melting capacity and the considered materials, the flow can be limited to a certain degree, leading to under-extrusion. Slicing tools such as Cura allows filaments to overlap to compensate for under-extrusion and prevent voids formation. However, if the superposition is too high, the melt is squeezed out of the deposition path, affecting the surface quality. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of raster width, angle, overlap, and deposition speed over the top surface topography of samples printed of ABS, ASA, and PC. The results show that the rasters’ width and overlap significantly influence top surface topography.