Application of Advanced Design Methods of “Design for Additive Manufacturing” (DfAM) to the Process of Development of Components for Mobile Machines

Abstract

The research problem is oriented to shortening the development time of products for the automotive and engineering industry and to improving their output properties, such as weight reduction by implementation of advanced design methods (DfAMs). The intention of the study is to achieve positive properties in components and to shorten the development phase when applying DfAM methods, specifically the use of topological optimization (TO). In development of the design methodology using TO, the procedure and results were addressed and consulted with a specific manufacturer in the industry who provided the necessary materials for the research. The methodology was formed based on the partial results and their analysis for selecting the right solutions, such as the analysis of traditional procedures, strength checks, meshes, boundary conditions, etc. The procedure and design were focused and limited to additive manufacturing, specifically SLM. The results agreed with the research aim, and a significant reduction in times was achieved over traditional design methods. There was also a reduction in masses. The research concludes with an evaluation of the results together with those of the manufacturer, and a statement of the benefits, particularly for the scientific discipline and practice. It was concluded that, by implementing the given design methods, it is possible to significantly reduce the financial costs with proper application, simplify the operation of design software and create the possibility of use in training workplaces. With further research and extension of the applicability of the given methodology, substantial positive factors for development can be assumed. However, it should not be forgotten that the use of DfAM methods is greatly influenced by advances in additive manufacturing.