Information Modelling of Extrusion-based 3D Printing Process for Digital Twins

This paper focuses on the information modelling of the extrusion-based 3D printing process. It aims to facilitate the creation and management of a digital twin (DT) through a comprehensive understanding of the manufacturing process. The workflow of extrusion-based 3D printing, spanning from the CAD model to the printed part, is analysed and modelled using the Integration Definition for Process Modelling 0 (IDEF0) method. Building upon the IDEF0 model and relevant literature, a Petri net is developed to identify specific information and logic inherent to the printing process. The identified elements are subsequently filtered by the specific purpose of the DT and categorized into three classes: Component, Activity, and Property. Specifically, this study explores the material extrusion (MEX) process as implemented by the Prusa i3 MK3 printer. Derived from functional flow block diagrams and mathematical formulas, the information model consists of 21 components, 25 activities and 83 properties. This model can be considered as an information repository, which enables DTs to consider, select and synchronise specific physical information elements in their digital representation within the context of the MEX process.