Topology optimization of compliant mechanisms: With focus on overheating prevention during Additive Manufacturing

A compliant mechanism (CM) is a special kind of mechanism which has seen an increase in use in various high-tech applications. A CM is a structure designed with the intention to deform: motion is achieved by deformation of flexible members of its body. CMs are designed by topology optimization (TO) algorithms, which use boundary conditions as an...

Additive manufacturing of locally self-supporting compliant mechanisms: Experimental characterization and topology optimization for successful metal 3D printing

The manufacturing freedom of additive manufacturing, and design freedom of topology optimization have proven to be a fruitful combination in creating and manufacturing designs. While research into applications of metal additive manufacturing has advanced from rapid prototyping to end-use components, metal additive manufacturing of compliant...

Additive Manufactured Glass Connection: The polyester glass connection

For this thesis an additively manufactured(AM) glass connection was researched. The aim was to see if it was possible to use plastic based AM for end use parts in the façade. This was done in three parts, which are presented in this thesis. The first part consists of research in all currently available technology that could be used to create...

Towards Topology Optimization for constructing Compliant Optical Mount Mechanisms by means of Additive Manufacturing

Optical systems in high precision equipment become increasingly more complex due to the raising number of optical mounts used for mounting and positioning of optical components. Additional, the installation of electronics and inert gas purging systems to protect the optics against the abrasive optical beam extends the amount of components in the...

3F3D: Form Follows Force with 3D printing

Topology optimization is the natural counterpart of additive manufacturing, many believes that the technology could revolutionize the way we manufacture our everyday products, changing the way we design and manufacture our products considering of how the process mimics the nature system of manufacturing and design, so-called the biomimicry...

Innovative joints for gridshells

Additive manufacturing is a production technique that builds up successive layers of material to create a 3D object from a digital model. With additive manufacturing design freedom is offered, which enables new opportunities for structural engineers and designers. This new opportunity is applied to design and produce structural joints for...