Topology Optimisation of High-Integrity Additive Manufacturing Parts

Over the years, the development of additive manufacturing (AM) has transformed the production of simple as well as complex parts used in various industries. It provides significant flexibility, performance, reduced manufacturing time, among others. This type of manufacturing uses the concept of melting successive powdered layer over a preceding layer for production and as a result there is a considerable number of processes under this branch of manufacturing. Such as selective laser melting to solid state processes like cold spray. With the continued development of AM, it is quickly becoming an integral part of the manufacturing industry as it helps reduce the material wasted, reduction in production time and capital costs. With a large focus on structural materials, each related additive manufacturing process provides its own advantages and disadvantages. Disadvantages such as and not limited to low mechanical strength (polymer 3D plotting), lack of layer fusion (polymer extrusion), imperfect microstructure and unwanted anisotropic mechanical properties (metals) [1], [2].