The National Policy on Industry 4.0, introduced in 2018, aimed to boost Malaysia's digital transformation in manufacturing and allied services. Talent and capabilities play a crucial role in achieving these goals. Additive manufacturing is a key aspect of Industry 4.0, but it's expensive. To prepare future talent, early exposure to this technology is essential. However, the high cost presents a significant challenge. Therefore, there's a pressing need for an innovative, affordable, and user-friendly technology solution to address these issues.
On October 31, 2018, the National Policy on Industry 4.0 was unveiled with the goal of accelerating Malaysia's manufacturing and allied services industries' digital transformation. Talent and abilities are recognized as enablers that determine the target-achieving tactics. One of the cornerstones of Industry 4.0 is additive manufacturing. Early exposure to technology is thought to prepare future talent. The technology is unfortunately exceedingly pricey.An innovative, cost-effective, user-friendly technology that can meet the specifications is required to address the problems.
The machine is developed using modular approach and consist of 4 interchangeable and independent modules.
1) welding set,
2) X-Y-Z table,
3) CNC router and
4) G-Code programming.
The material is deposited on a substrate utilizing the MIG technique and layer by layer is developed to create the 3D profile. Width and height of the bead can be controlled by numbers of parameters including welding speed, wire feed rate, types of material, distance between torch and substrate and heat input.
1) Compact in size – The size of the machine in relatively compact which the overall size is 1040 x 1140 x 560 mm (length x height x width)
2) It has foldable table – to place laptop and other equipment onto it
3) It is equipped with 60 mm diameter caster wheel, which allow the machine to be moved around
4) The X-Y-Z table is control by the programming in the computer (CNC) using G-code
5) The machine is developed based in modular approach, therefore easy to maintenance and if there is malfunction parts, it can be easily replaced. Most of the parts are standard and easily find the spare if needed for replacement
1) Low price as compared to other technology in the market
2) Plug and play machine
3) Add-on machine features
4) Less skill operator can operate the machine