A generative-based design methodology to enable the democratisation of 3D printing

Abstract

3D printing technologies, such as material extrusion (MEX), hold the potential to revolutionise manufacturing by providing individuals without traditional manufacturing capabilities with powerful and affordable resources. However, widespread adoption is impeded by the lack of user-friendly design tools due to the necessity of domain-specific expertise in computer-aided design (CAD) software and the overwhelming level of design freedom afforded by the MEX process. To overcome these barriers and facilitate the democratisation of design (DoD), this article introduces an innovative, generative-based design (GBD) methodology aimed at enabling non-technical users to create functional components independently. The novelty of this methodology lies in its capacity to simplify complex design tasks, making them more accessible to non-designers. The proposed methodology was tested in the design of a load-bearing part, yielding a functional component within two design iterations. A comparative analysis with the conventional CAD-based process revealed that the GBD methodology enables the DoD, reflected in a 68% reduction in design activities and a decrease in design difficulty of 62% in requisite know-how and a 55% in understanding. Through the creation and implementation of this methodology, the article demonstrates a pioneering integration of state-of-the-art techniques of generative design with design repositories enabling effective co-design with non-designers.

Influence of Raster Pattern on Residual Stress and Part Distortion in FDM of Semi-Crystalline Polymers: A Simulation Study

“…Additive Manufacturing (AM) also referred to as 3D printing, offers a wide range of techniques that are capable of manufacturing complicated geometrical parts efficiently using materials such as plastics, metals, and ceramics [1,2]. Among the various available AM techniques, Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is one of the most commonly employed AM methods due to its potential to manufacture parts with complex geometries, cost efficiency, and simplicity in operation and design [3][4][5][6][7]. Advantages of FDM include a wide range of feedstock materials including metals and thermoplastic polymers [8], and it is economic and user-friendly.…”