Part library-based information retrieval and inspection framework to support part maintenance using 3D printing technology

Purpose: The purpose of this study is the use of 3D printing technology to perform maintenance on damaged parts on site. To maintain damaged parts, the user needs experience in the parts design and 3D printing technology. To help users who have little or no experience on 3D printing, a part library-based information retrieval and inspection framework was proposed to support the process of manufacturing replaceable parts using a 3D printer. Design/methodology/approach: To establish the framework, 3D printing-based maintenance procedure was first defined, comprising retrieval, manufacturing and inspection steps, while identifying the technical components required to perform the procedure. Once the technical components are identified, part library-based information retrieval and inspection framework was defined based on the technical components and the relationships between the components. For validation of the concept of the framework, prototype system is developed according to the proposed framework. Findings: The feasibility of the proposed framework is proved through maintenance experiments on gaskets and O-rings. Originality/value: The main contribution of this study is the proposal of the framework, which aims to support the maintenance of damaged parts for the user who has little or no experience in part design or does not know how to operate a 3D printer.