Abstract

Despite its advantages, metal additive manufacturing (AM) remains challenging due to the numerous interacting factors that influence part quality. The lack of effective tools for correcting geometric deviations highlights the need for integrated approaches that combine data from different stages of the manufacturing process.

This work proposes an activity model for collecting, managing and synchronising multimodal data throughout the metal material extrusion (MEX/M) process. This technology involves extruding a metal–binder mixture to produce a green part, which subsequently undergoes debinding and sintering to obtain the final metal component. The proposed model integrates real-time process data, such as temperature and vibration measurements, with layer geometry information and offline measurements of the green and sintered parts, including dimensional, geometrical and density data.

The model is structured using the IDEF0 (Integration Definition for Function Modelling) methodology, which represents process activities through their inputs, outputs, controls and mechanisms. This approach provides a structured framework for integrating data across manufacturing stages, supporting the identification of critical factors and laying the groundwork for future process optimisation and quality improvement. Although developed for MEX/M, the model could be adapted to other AM technologies.

Keywords

Additive manufacturing, MEX/M, Activity model, IDEF0