Abhishek Arora
M.E. Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MBM University Jodhpur, Rajasthan - 342011
Kailash Chaudhary
Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MBM University Jodhpur, Rajasthan - 342011
Abstract
A leaf spring is a basic type of spring that is frequently used for the suspension in wheeled vehicles. It mainly consists of metal plates or leaves, master leaf, centre bolt, U-bolt, rebound clip, spring eye, hanger, shackle and bush. In this report, we will briefly discuss the simplest part of the spring, which is the plastic bush. It is one of the elementary parts which join leaf spring to the chassis of the vehicle. Main function of leaf spring plastic bush is to reduce friction and noise between shackle and hanger. It also avoids shearing between these two metallic components. In this research work, leaf spring plastic bush will be obtained from market which is manufactured by injection molding. Further, reverse engineering of this plastic bush will be done to manufacture it by 3D printing. For this purpose, ABS and polycarbonate filaments will be used. Mechanical properties such as strength and hardness will be compared for the samples fabricated by injection molding and 3D printing. Also, life cycle analysis and cost analysis will be done to get an idea about the efficiency and feasibility of 3D printing technology.
Keywords- Leaf Spring Plastic Bush; Auto Parts Manufacturing; Reverse Manufacturing; Fused Deposition Modeling