A voxel-based method of constructing and skinning conformal and functionally graded lattice structures suitable for additive manufacturing
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Additive Manufacturing (AM) enables the production of geometrically complex parts that are difficult to manufacture by other means. However, conventional CAD systems are limited in the representation of such parts. This issue is exacerbated when lattice structures are combined or embedded within a complex geometry. This paper presents a computationally efficient, voxel-based method of generating lattices comprised of practically any cell type that can conform to an arbitrary external geometry. The method of conforming involves the tessellation and trimming of unit cells that can leave ‘hanging’ struts at the surface, which is a possible point of weakness in the structure. A method of joining these struts to form an external two dimensional lattice, termed a ‘net-skin’ is also described. Traditional methods of manufacturing lattice structures generally do not allow variation of cell properties within a structure; however, additive manufacturing enables graded lattices to be generated that are potentially more optimal. A method of functionally grading lattices is, therefore, also described to take advantage of this manufacturing capability.
Date Issued
2017-01-01
Date Acceptance
2016-10-27
Citation
Additive Manufacturing, 2017, 13 (1), pp.1-13
ISSN
2214-8604
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
1
End Page
13
Journal / Book Title
Additive Manufacturing
Volume
13
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© 2016. The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an
open access article under the CC-BY license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
open access article under the CC-BY license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Identifier
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214860416302810?via%3Dihub
Subjects
Science & Technology
Technology
Engineering, Manufacturing
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Engineering
Materials Science
Lattice
Voxel
Tesselation
Net-skin
Functional grading
OPTIMIZATION
TOPOLOGY
0910 Manufacturing Engineering
Notes
file: :C$$:/Users/apanesar/Documents/Mendeley Desktop/Additive Manufacturing/Aremu et al. - A voxel-based method of constructing and skinning conformal and functionally graded lattice structures suitable for addit.pdf:pdf
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2016-11-09