Multi-objective optimization approach in design for additive manufacturing for fused deposition modeling

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a multi-objective optimization problem in design for manufacturing (DFM) approach for fused deposition modeling (FDM). This method considers the manufacturing criteria and constraints during the design by selecting the best manufacturing parameters to guide the designer and manufacturer in fabrication with FDM.

Design/methodology/approach

Topological optimization and bi-objective optimization problems are suggested to complete the DFM approach for design for additive manufacturing (DFAM) to define a product. Topological optimization allows the shape improvement of the product through a material distribution for weight gain based on the desired mechanical behavior. The bi-objective optimization problem plays an important role to evaluate the manufacturability by quantification and optimization of the manufacturing criteria and constraint simultaneously. Actually, it optimizes the production time, required material regarding surface quality and mechanical properties of the product because of two significant parameters as layer thickness and part orientation.

Findings

A comprehensive analysis of the existing DFAM approaches illustrates that these approaches are not developed sufficiently in terms of manufacturability evaluation in quantification and optimization levels. There is no approach that investigates the AM criteria and constraints simultaneously. It is necessary to provide a decision-making tool for the designers and manufacturers to lead to better design and manufacturing regarding the different AM characteristics.

Practical implications

To assess the efficiency of this approach, a wheel spindle is considered as a case study which shows how this method is capable to find the best design and manufacturing solutions.

Originality/value

A multi-criteria decision-making approach as the main contribution is developed to analyze FDM technology and its attributes, criteria and drawbacks. It completes the DFAM approach for FDM through a bi-objective optimization problem which deals with finding the best manufacturing parameters by optimizing production time and material mass because of the product mechanical properties and surface roughness.

Citation

Asadollahi-Yazdi, E., Gardan, J. and Lafon, P. (2019), "Multi-objective optimization approach in design for additive manufacturing for fused deposition modeling", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 25 No. 5, pp. 875-887. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-07-2018-0186