Embedded digital codes hold the potential to revolutionize supply chain security within the additively manufactured components, as researchers demonstrate effective methods for integrating these codes directly during the manufacturing process.
A recent study published by researchers highlights innovative procedures for embedding digital information within components fabricated through Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLS) techniques. Conducted using the EOS M290 printer, the researchers employed patterns based on the Cantor dust fractal to configure the embedded codes.
The study reveals significant findings from tensile tests performed on samples printed using aluminum powder EOS AlF357, which indicated successful integration of digital codes, all the While maintaining the ultimate tensile strength standards required for safety and durability.
Counterfeiting and other security vulnerabilities present significant challenges within the additive manufacturing sector. The introduction of embedded codes aims to address threats such as counterfeit, theft, and loss. "A cyber-physical trust anchor is developed with print features in a pattern derived from Cantor dust fractals," the authors note, illustrating the depth of their research and the efficiency of their adapted methods.
During the experiments, the researchers printed 15 dumbbell-shaped samples, seven of which contained codes embedded within the gauge volume and eight with codes located within the tail section. The results indicated similar performance across the samples, demonstrating the effectiveness of the two different placement strategies.
Using advanced X-ray imaging techniques, including tomography and interferometry, the scientists were able to examine the integrity of the samples both before and after tensile testing. "The embedded digital codes were assessed with the 15 identical pairs of cylindrical ASTM E8/E8M dumbbell tensile test samples (30 samples in total)" to validate printing accuracy and structural strength, confirming the potential for real-time tracking and authentication of manufactured items.
Notably, X-ray tomography results indicated the average volume of the ellipsoids was slightly larger than the as-designed specifications. The use of loose powder within the ellipsoid voids helped capture additional information through advanced imaging technologies, which also increased detectability of the embedded codes.
The embedding process utilized for these digital codes offers room for significant variation, supporting the inclusion of unique identifiers or serial numbers. "The measured values and FEM calculations show tensile strength is affected proportional to the total cross-sectional area of the ellipsoids," highlighting how strategic design factors critically influence performance amid the integration of digital security measures.
Overall, the findings substantiate the hypothesis put forward by the research team: anchoring digital information within additively manufactured parts not only enhances security but also retains structural integrity under varying conditions.
Addressing industry setbacks, especially as they pertain to parts certification, remains key. The authors suggest, "embedding digital codes as developed... strike a balance between invasive changes to the additive manufacturing workflow versus security, part performance, and equipment modifications." Moving forward, this work presents notable pathways toward advancing supply chain security measures through additive manufacturing.