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Possibilities of Using Selected Additive Methods for the Production of Polymer Harmonic Drive Prototypes
Jacek Pacana1, Andrzej Pacana1, Rafał Oliwa2
1Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, Rzeszow University of Technology, al. Powstancow Warszawy 12, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 10, 2023
Summary
This study explores using polymer materials for harmonic drive flexsplines, manufactured via additive methods. Finite element analysis (FEM) assessed stress distribution to determine suitability for commercial applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Robotics
Background:
- Harmonic drives are crucial in robotics and automation.
- Traditional harmonic drive components are often metal.
- Additive manufacturing offers potential for novel materials and designs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using polymer materials for harmonic drive flexsplines.
- To analyze the mechanical stresses experienced by polymer flexsplines under operational load.
- To determine the suitability of polymer flexsplines for commercial harmonic drive applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized additive manufacturing (rapid prototyping) for flexspline fabrication.
- Performed numerical simulations using the finite element method (FEM) in Abaqus.
- Analyzed stress distribution and maximum stress values within the polymer flexspline.
Main Results:
- Identified critical stress concentrations in the flexspline during simulated operation.
- Quantified the maximum stress experienced by polymer flexsplines under torque loading.
- Provided data on the mechanical performance limits of specific polymer materials.
Conclusions:
- Polymer flexsplines manufactured using additive methods show promise but face mechanical strength limitations.
- FEM analysis is critical for predicting stress distribution and failure points in polymer harmonic drives.
- Further material development or design optimization may be needed for widespread commercial adoption of polymer flexsplines.
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