Rapid Prototyping Journal: Volume 25 Issue 9

Guest editorial

Weihong Zhang, Sofiane Guessasma, Jihong Zhu

A novel approach of reliability-based topology optimization for continuum structures under interval uncertainties

Lei Wang, Haijun Xia, Yaowen Yang, Yiru Cai, Zhiping Qiu

The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel non-probabilistic reliability-based topology optimization (NRBTO) method for continuum structural design under interval…

Multi-solution nature of topology optimization and its application in design for additive manufacturing

Hassan Rezayat, Jared Richard Bell, Alex J. Plotkowski, Sudarsanam S. Babu

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the multi-solution nature of topology optimization (TO) as a design tool for additive manufacturing (AM). The sensitivity of…

Multiscale, thermomechanical topology optimization of self-supporting cellular structures for porous injection molds

Tong Wu, Andres Tovar

This paper aims to establish a multiscale topology optimization method for the optimal design of non-periodic, self-supporting cellular structures subjected to thermo-mechanical…

A methodology for setting the injection moulding process parameters for polymer rapid tooling inserts

Anurag Bagalkot, Dirk Pons, Don Clucas, Digby Symons

Polymer rapid tooling (PRT) inserts can be used as injection moulding (IM) cavities for prototyping and low volume production but lack the robustness of metal inserts. Metal…

Fundamentals of radiation heat transfer in AlSi10Mg powder bed during selective laser melting

Pei Wei, Zhengying Wei, Zhne Chen, Jun Du, Yuyang He, Junfeng Li

This paper aims to study numerically the influence of the applied laser energy density and the porosity of the powder bed on the thermal behavior of the melt and the resultant…

Hydraulic manifold design via additive manufacturing optimized with CFD and fluid-structure interaction simulations

Aiman A. Alshare, Fedrico Calzone, Maurizio Muzzupappa

The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using additive manufacturing (AM) technique to produce an efficient valve manifold for hydraulic actuator by…

A fuzzy optimization method for octet-truss lattices

Yunhui Yang, Libin Zhao, Dexuan Qi, Meijuan Shan, Jianyu Zhang

This paper aims to present a multiscale fuzzy optimization (FO) method to optimize both the density distribution and macrotopology of a uniform octet-truss lattice structure.

Channel design for 3D models with applications in powder-bed additive manufacturing

Xiangzhi Wei, Xianda Li, Shanshan Wen, Yu Zheng, Yaobin Tian

For any 3D model with chambers to be fabricated in powder-bed additive manufacturing processes such as SLM and SLS, powders are trapped in the chambers of the finished model. This…

Topologically optimized axle carrier for Formula Student produced by selective laser melting

Ondřej Vaverka, Daniel Koutny, David Palousek

This paper aims to present the design process, manufacturing and testing of a prototype of an axle carrier for Formula Student race car. The axle carrier is topologically…

Design of lightweight tree-shaped internal support structures for 3D printed shell models

Lin Zhu, Ruiliang Feng, Xianda Li, Juntong Xi, Xiangzhi Wei

The purpose of this paper is to design a lightweight tree-shaped internal support structure for fused deposition modeling (FDM) three-dimensional (3D) printed shell models.