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Degradation effects of reused PA12 powder in selective laser sintering on material characteristics, dimensional accuracy and mechanical strength

Vendittoli, Valentina; Mascolo, Maria C.; Polini, Wilma; Walter, Michael S. J....

Scientific Reports 2025 (15), 34114.
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-20280-7


Open Access Peer Reviewed
 

Selective Laser Sintering of Polymers is a widely used Additive Manufacturing technology that involves a laser to selectively sinter layers of a powder bed, with Polyamide 12 being a common material choice. Despite its favourable processability and component performance, the printing process leaves a significant amount of unsintered powder that undergoes heat treatment due to temperature gradients during printing, leading to material degradation over time. A deep comprehension of the aging behaviour in the powder for rightly planning the successive building process is thus necessary to define the proper recycling methods. This paper presents a comprehensive study of the thermal and structural characteristics of Polyamide 12 after five successive reusing cycles, as well as the dimensional accuracy and the mechanical strength of the corresponding printed parts. The study includes tests on the powder that underwent successive printing, and the parts manufactured using this powder. The results were compared to those obtained from virgin powder. These results were used to justify the differences in mechanical, macro-geometrical, and micro-geometrical performance between virgin and multiple reused powder parts. The results indicate that the powder degradation causes a significant reduction of the mechanical strength, and the texture quality of parts made from reused powder, while the dimensional accuracy remains very high.

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Modern Trends of Reverse Engineering in Digital Manufacturing

Mihalache, Andrei Marius; Sover, Alexandru; Dodun-Des-Perrieres, Oana; Nagit, Gheorghe...

Digital Product Design and Manufacturing 2025, Chapter 2.
DOI: 10.1201/9781003518198


 

Reverse engineering encompasses an array of technologies and methods which produce results in terms of design, simulation and manufacturing. Options are pushed a little further by a new set of digital tools and scientific methods. Finite element methods (FEM) can validate models and propose structurally optimised geometries or attain prolonged life in service. 3D additive manufacturing processes can be simulated making it possible to pin point problematic areas. With respect to product design and digital manufacturing, reverse engineering uses a number of techniques, tools, methods and means of optimization which ease the process of re-manufacturing or use of an enhanced reinterpreted product. Of course, there are legal and ethical concerns that must be met within legal boundaries. Reverse engineering can be corroborated with other techniques of data interpretation and manipulation in such a way that results are both time-and-cost effective. Easy integration with Industry 5.0 concept is an ongoing process that proposes sustainable optimization of energy consumption, materials processing, and product lifecycles by prioritizing humans.

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Micro 3D-printing of polymer parts – Overview and potential

Sover, Alexandru; Michalak, Martin (2025)

Conference Proceedings Innovations in Industrial Engineering IV (ICIE 2024), Prag 2025, 13–24.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-94484-0


Open Access Peer Reviewed
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Innovations in Industrial Engineering IV

Sover, Alexandru; Machado, Jose ; Trojanowska, Justyna ; Antosz, Katarzyna ...

Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-94484-0


Peer Reviewed
 

This book reports on innovations and engineering achievements of industrial relevance, with a special emphasis on industrial engineering developments aimed at improving the quality of processes and products in the context of a sustainable economy. It gathers peer-reviewed papers presented at the 4th International Conference “Innovation in Engineering”, ICIE 2025, held on June 18-20, 2025, in Prague, Czech Republic. All in all, this third volume of a three-volume set provides engineering researchers and professionals with a timely snapshot of technologies and strategies that should help shaping different industrial sectors to improve production efficiency, industrial sustainability, and human well-being.

 

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Improving Surface Finish of FFF Printed Parts: The Role of Scarf Seam Parameters

Sover, Alexandru; Ermolai, Vasile; Irimia, A.I. (2025)

Conference Proceedings Innovations in Industrial Engineering IV (ICIE 2024), Prag 2025, 31-42.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-93554-1_4


Open Access Peer Reviewed
 

Seam visibility remains a significant challenge in Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D Printing, particularly on curved and complex geometries. Traditional seaming methods, such as the butt-joint, often produce visible artifacts, reducing the surface quality and the mechanical characteristics of parts. This study explores the effectiveness of the Scarf Seam method, a new seam management technique integrated into open-source slicing software, to improving surface finish. While previous research has addressed seam visibility and strength, limited studies have systematically analyzed the impact of seam parameters. Using a Taguchi L16 design, this study evaluates key parameters influencing Scarf Seam performance, including Scarf Joint Speed, Scarf Steps, Scarf Start Height, and Scarf Length. Results indicate that parameter optimization significantly enhances part’s shells concealment. Despite improvements, inconsistencies in seam start localization across different configurations remain unexplained, highlighting the need for further investigation. This research provides valuable insights into seam optimization strategies, contributing to better surface aesthetics and structural performance in FFF-printed parts.

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Influence of printing parameters on overhang structures in micro DLP printing - Vortrag

Sover, Alexandru; Walter, M.-J.; Michalak, Martin (2025)

IMANEE, May 2025.


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Dimensional Accuracy Analysis of Splined Shafts and Hubs Obtained by Fused-Deposition Modeling 3D Printing Using a Genetic Algorithm and Artificial Neural Network

Sover, Alexandru; Rizea , A.-D.; Banică , C.-F.; Georgescu, T.; Anghel , D.-C. (2025)

Applied Sciences 2025 2025 ( 15(7):), 3958.
DOI: 10.3390/app15073958


Open Access Peer Reviewed
 

Splined assemblies ensure precise torque transmission and alignment in mechanical systems. Three-dimensional printing, especially FDM, enables fast production of customized components with complex geometries, reducing material waste and costs. Optimized printing parameters improve dimensional accuracy and performance. Dimensional accuracy is a critical aspect in the additive manufacturing of mechanical components, especially for splined shafts and hubs, where deviations can impact assembly precision and functionality. This study investigates the influence of key FDM 3D printing parameters—layer thickness, infill density, and nominal diameter—on the dimensional deviations of splined components. A full factorial experimental design was implemented, and measurements were conducted using a high-precision coordinate measuring machine (CMM). To optimize dimensional accuracy, artificial neural networks (ANNs) were trained using experimental data, and a genetic algorithm (GA) was employed for multi-objective optimization. Three ANN models were developed to predict dimensional deviations for different parameters, achieving high correlation coefficients (R2 values of 0.961, 0.947, and 0.910). The optimization process resulted in an optimal set of printing conditions that minimize dimensional errors. The findings provide valuable insights into improving precision in FDM-printed splined components, contributing to enhanced design tolerances and manufacturing quality.

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Laserentlackung von thermoplastischen Kunststoffen

Sover, Alexandru; Zink, Markus (2025)

IMCcon 2025 Effizienz trifft auf Brillanz 11./12. März 2025 | Neue Materialien Bayreuth, 2025.


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Influence of Iron Nanoparticles on the Shape Memory Effect of PVA

Lang, Anette; Sover, Alexandru (2025)

International Journal of Mechatronics and Applied Mechanics 2025 2025, 19 (Vol 1).
DOI: 10.17683/ijomam/issue19


Open Access Peer Reviewed
 

Abstract - Shape memory polymers (SMP) can be used in numerous applications, for example in medical engineering, control technology, or in the automotive industry. Various triggers can be used to "remember" a programmed shape, such as temperature, pH value, humidity or light. One example of SMP is polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which is characterised by biocompatibility, high hydrophilicity and non-toxicity as well as efficient shape memory behaviour. PVA reacts to the stimulus of temperature. In this work, the influence of incorporated nanoparticles on the shape memory effect of PVA will be investigated. For this purpose, the glass transition temperature of PVA containing different iron nanoparticles is determined and compared by means of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). In addition to the impact of the integrated nanoparticles on the switching temperature, consideration is also given to the quality of the resetting characteristics linked with the shape memory effect. These studies employ thermomechanical analysis as a tool to gain insights into this phenomenon. The inclusion of iron nanoparticles has been observed to result in a slight alteration of the switching temperature, while significantly influencing the shape memory effect and reducing the strain recovery rate by approximately 15%. The strain fixity rate simultaneously increases by approximately 50%. However, the size and structure of the iron nanoparticles showed no discernible impact on the observed phenomenon.

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Participation of Polymer Materials in the Structure of Piezoelectric Composites

Sover, Alexandru; Pîrvu, CI; Abrudeanu, M. (2024)

Polymers. 2024; 16(24):3603 2024.
DOI: 10.3390/polym16243603


Open Access Peer Reviewed
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Innovative, environmentally friendly decoating of metallised plastic products using laser technology

Sover, Alexandru; Zink, Markus (2024)

28th Edition of International Conference (IMANEE 2024), Athen, October 2024.



Innovative, environmentally friendly decoating of metallised plastic products using laser technology

Sover, Alexandru; Zink, Markus (2024)

Material Research Proceedings 46, 199-203 .
DOI: 10.21741/9781644903377-26


Open Access Peer Reviewed
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Printing the Future Layer by Layer: A Comprehensive Exploration of Additive Manufacturing in the Era of Industry 4.0.

Sover, Alexandru; Bănică, C.-F.; Anghel, D-C (2024)

Applied Sciences 14, 21 | 9919.
DOI: 10.3390/app14219919


Open Access Peer Reviewed
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Characterisation of the Cooling System Performance of Additively Manufactured Thermoforming Moulds

Sover, Alexandru; Boca, Marius-Andrei (2024)

International Conference on Reliable Systems Engineering (ICoRSE) - 2024. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems 1129, 16–34.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-70670-7_2


Peer Reviewed
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Multi-material Shape Memory Polymers: Design Consideration and Implementation

Sover, Alexandru; Ermolai, Vasile (2024)

International Journal of Mechatronics and Applied Mechanics 2024 (15), 7.
DOI: 10.17683/ijomam/issue15.1


Open Access Peer Reviewed
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Innovative, environmentally friendly decoating of metallised plastic products using laser technology

Sover, Alexandru; Zink, Markus (2024)

Materials Research Proceedings 2024/46, 199-203.
DOI: 10.21741/9781644903377-26


Open Access Peer Reviewed
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Innovative, environmentally friendly decoating of metallised plastic products using laser technology

Sover, Alexandru; Zink, Markus (2024)

The 28th Edition of International Conference (IMANEE 2024), Athen Oct. 2024 .


Open Access
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Mechanical behavior of macroscopic interfaces for 3D printed multi-material samples made of dissimilar materials

Sover, Alexandru; Boca, Marius-Andrei; Ermolai, Vasile; Mihalache, Andrei Marius ...

Mechanics & Industry - Advanced Approaches in Manufacturing Engineering and Technologies Design Volume 25, 2024, 24.
DOI: 10.1051/meca/2024017


Open Access Peer Reviewed
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Klein, aber fein; Wie hochpräzise additive Fertigung gelingt

Sover, Alexandru; Michalak, Martin (2024)

Plastverarbeiter 04.2024.


Open Access

Response of Secondary Structural Components of Egg White Proteins to Cold and Thermal Extremities in Water/Deuterium Oxide Mixtures

Tekiner, Ismail Hakki; Knoblauch, Anke; Sover, Alexandru; Häfner, Philipp...

Carpathian Journal of Food Science and Technology 16, 1 | 198-209.
DOI: 10.34302/crpjfst/2024.16.1.16


Open Access Peer Reviewed
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Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexandru Sover


Hochschule Ansbach

Hochschule Ansbach - Fakultät Technik
Residenzstr. 8
91522 Ansbach

T 0981 4877-527
a.sover[at]hs-ansbach.de