Introduction

Figure 7.1 The digital thread refers to the data that is associated with and required for the design, materials selection, build planning, build, post-processing, and quality assurance processes in additive manufacturing. The digital thread becomes very complex and may have compatibility issues as machines of different types and origin are integrated into one process, as is the case in this hybrid manufacturing system. (credit: Modification of “hybrid manufacturing system” by Oak Ridge National Laboratory/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

Chapter Outline

7.1 Digital Trends Throughout Manufacturing

7.2 The Digital Thread in Design for Additive Manufacturing

7.3 Processing a file for 3D printing

7.4 Simulation

7.5 The Digital Thread in AM Quality Assurance, Post-Processing, and Standards Alignment

The digital thread has come to represent a series of concepts throughout the manufacturing industry. Specific to additive manufacturing, it represents the accumulation of data that is generated at various steps of the 3D printing workflow. This not only includes the production of the part from an individual printer, but also the information that is generated at related steps including customer orders, design information, material details, and post-processing. The digital thread can be quite overwhelming and challenging to navigate given the fact that printing modalities and software solutions are continuing to evolve.