Control of Powder Flow Rate in Laser Metal Deposition Process
Abstract
Precise regulation of powder flow in laser based manufacturing processes is critical to achieving excellent part quality. Control of powder flow in laser based manufacturing processes is challenging since low flow rates, where nonlinear effects are significant, are typically required. Also, gravity fed powder feeder systems have significant transport delays, making the control of powder flow even more challenging. This paper presents a control strategy for regulating the powder flow rate in a gravity fed powder feeder system. A dynamic model of the powder feeder system, including transport delay, is constructed and a digital proportional plus integral controller is designed. An observer is used to estimate powder flow rate using the powder feeder motor encoder signal. The control strategy is implemented in a Smith Predictor Corrector Structure to account for the material transport delay. Simulation and experimental results validate the controller.
Recommended Citation
V. Thayalan and R. G. Landers, "Control of Powder Flow Rate in Laser Metal Deposition Process," Proceedings of the 2004 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition(2004, Anaheim, CA), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Nov 2004.
Meeting Name
2004 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE2004 (2004: Nov. 13-19, Anaheim, CA)
Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Control; Delay; Powder Mass Flow
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2004 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
19 Nov 2004
