Topology and Build Path Optimization for Reducing Cost in FDM uPrint SE

Abstract

The idea of generating a physical model straightly from the CAD data is largely documented as additive manufacturing (AM) or rapid prototyping (RP). This invention has facilitated in leftover minimization, reduced time to market, and flexibility for new product development as well as fast prototyping. Even after having all these benefits, the economic factors play a major role for any client to choose this manufacturing process for prototyping. Therefore, here an effort made primarily on the cost-saving strategies for parts built by FDM uPrint SE. This paper led at this juncture aims to manage the material consumption before and after a topology optimization and additionally to further reduce the cost and time of manufacture, build path analysis is also carried out to find the optimum build path for the AM machine FDM uPrint SE. Factors such as material consumption, build time, and post-processing time remain as the valid parameters for incurring the cost of AM parts. Lastly, this specific research will be suitable for the AM machines where the process parameters such as nozzle diameter, layer thickness, and temperature remain as an uncontrollable parameter.