Topology optimized – 3d printed bottle opener The challenge of this task is to create a bottle opener that can be printed using PLA and function nominally. The goal is to use this task to become more familiar with FEA (Finite Element Analysis), Topology optimization and the design process for polymer additive manufacturing. The result… Continue reading Bottle opener
Tag: Design Process
Fixture
For the parts to easily fit one another, maintain alignment to allow assembly, and be easily removable from the form after assembly, a clearance of 0.6 mm is designed into the fixture. FDM printers have some limitation to their accuracy. This limitation is typically accounted for by designing in some offset or clearance tothe parts. If the… Continue reading Fixture
Topology optimization and FEA
Topology optimization takes a series of steps from original shape to optimized result. Either in Altair inspire or Autodesk Fusion 360, the programs have a very straightforward workflow already laid out as a linear progression … We want to minimize mass while maintaining stiffness. In this case we must take into consideration all features that must… Continue reading Topology optimization and FEA
Loket 6
Designed to be 3D printed in place and without any support, this locomotive pulls all the stops when it comes to DfAM (Design for Additive Manufacture). Wheels unclip and shear open, the cabin is removable and the smoke prints with a second color.
Design assignment from 3d-printingspecialist. Based on traditional Swedish LOKET machinist practice.
Conformal cooling
Additive manufacturing allows us the opportunity to easily add complexity to a design that was previously difficult or impossible to manufacture. Here we use the benefits of additive manufacturing to redesign a vacuum forming mold with internal cooling channels with the goal of decreasing cycle time of the vacuum forming process. A drawing and CAD… Continue reading Conformal cooling
Loket 5
To reduce the build volume, the chassis-boiler-cabin section will collapse in on itself in a telescoping fashion and the roof will be on a slider so it can fully extend after printing. This requires a significant amount of CAD modifications. This complex design requires careful consideration with respect to tolerances so that all parts can… Continue reading Loket 5