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Algorithm‐Driven Optimization of Support‐Free Truss‐like Structures in Early‐Stage Design for Additive Manufacturing
Author(s) -
Reintjes Christian,
Lorenz Ulf
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pamm
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1617-7061
DOI - 10.1002/pamm.202000204
Subject(s) - truss , topology optimization , computer science , extrusion , 3d printing , lattice (music) , mathematical optimization , mechanical engineering , industrial engineering , structural engineering , topology (electrical circuits) , engineering drawing , engineering , materials science , finite element method , mathematics , physics , electrical engineering , acoustics , metallurgy
Material extrusion processes require internal or external or both support structures to support the printing process. These support structures generate costs due to additional material, printing time and energy. Contrary to the optimization strategy to minimize the need for additional support by optimizing the support structure itself and keeping the original part, we focus on designing a new part in a single step by optimizing the topology towards a support‐free lattice structure. Assuming that the support structures cannot be removed by non‐destructive post‐processing this optimization approach becomes necessary, since the force distribution in a lattice structure is manipulated by the additional support structures. We extend the work by [1] to model support‐free lattice structures considering a positioning of a static area load. We show how integer dependent constraints can be used to implement design standards for support‐free and extrusion‐based additive manufacturing.