Caterpillar Inc.
System and method for evaluating additive manufacturing index

Abstract:

A method for evaluating part for additive manufacturing is provided. The method includes receiving data related to a set of printability factors associated with the part. The set of printability factors comprise at least: an availability of a three dimensional printer, a build density, a fraction of part to be printed, a print accuracy, a part complexity, and a number of parts needed. The method includes evaluating a printability index associated with the part based on at least three printability factors from the set of printability factors. Further, the method includes displaying the printability index associated with the part for the evaluation of the part for additive manufacturing.