Topology Optimization for Additive Manufacturing: Considering Support Structures

Abstract eng:
Additive manufacturing can build parts of complex shape through support structures. The fabrication of such support structures leads to the waste of the materials, build time and energy. This paper presents an approach for incorporating support structure consideration into topology optimization for additive manufacturing. A new measure based on the perimeter length of boundary with undercut, projected along the build direction, is developed to characterize the support volume. By constraining this projected undercut perimeter in topology optimization, the amount of support structures in the resulting designs can be effectively controlled. Our study has also revealed one interesting finding, that is, accounting for support structures in topology optimization can, in some cases, lead to designs with better performance, in addition to the reduction of support volume.

• Export as: BibTeX | MARC | MARCXML | DC | EndNote | NLM | RefWorks
• Add to your basket