Mass reduction method for topology optimisation of a Ti6Al4V part for additive manufacturing

Abstract

Additive manufacturing and topology optimization provide new possibilities to produce complex parts. They can be used separately but with joint applications as a mutually reinforcing solution in component development tasks. The results obtained using the design software can be refined even further depending on the specific goal set. This paper deals with mass reduction with stiffness-based topology optimization of a structural component. The effect of different design spaces, load cases, and design parameters were examined. Then, the new part was validated with FEA simulation. After the validation, the part was prepared for 3D metal printing. Based on the research results, we present a methodology that can be used as a solution considering the software’s limitations and the development of the specific component. Applying the methodology developed in the research makes it possible to achieve mass minimization on other parts with a similar method.

Keywords

• laser powder bed fusion topology optimization
• mass minimizing
• metal additive manufacturing