Using Topology Optimisation to Influence the Infill Placement of Fused Deposition Modelled Parts

Abstract

Additive manufacturing continues to see increased growth and adoption across various industries owing to technology improvements and increasing material options. This paper presents a method to optimise the infill structure placement in fused deposition modelling parts. The method uses finite element analysis and the bi-directional evolutionary structural optimisation technique to determine the optimal placement based on stress and validated through testing 3D-printed samples. The results show that multi-infill geometry outperforms traditional rectilinear infill in loading capacity and stiffness. The paper concludes with a real-world application, using this optimisation method on a railway-related part.