Generating support structures for Additive Manufacturing using topology optimization and AM-guidelines

This work uses Topology Optimization (TO) as a design tool for the generation of support structures for Additive Manufacturing (AM). The compliance minimization problem subject to a volume constraint is considered as optimization criteria. To ensure the mechanical functionality of the optimized supports, the geometrical guidelines of a 3D printer are empirically identified and introduced as design constraints in the TO problem using length scale control. The propose methodology is implemented in a density-based TO formulation and validated on 2D benchmarks, which are subsequently extruded and fabricated using an Ultimaker S2+ 3D printer.