Improvement of mechanical properties of parts designed with topology optimiza-tion in additive manufacturing method

Topology optimization is an advanced structural design method that can achieve the optimum structure configuration through reasonable material distribution that meets specified load conditions, performance and constraints. Compared with sizing and shape optimization, topology optimization is independent of the initial configuration and has a larger design space. As a result, it has been developed as a mainstream structural design technique for high-performance, lightweight and multifunctional structures and has been widely used in mechanical, aerospace, automotive, architectural, etc. widely used in the fields. Production with 3D (3D) printers or additive manufacturing is basically based on the principle of producing objects in layers. Many problems encountered in traditional discharge manufacturing methods have been resolved by relatively new additive manufacturing approaches. Objects with mixed geometries, mesh structures, objects with multiple materials, etc. It can be easily produced by additive manufacturing. Because of these freedoms brought to the design stage, additive manufacturing methods attract a lot of attention among design engineers. Especially, topology optimization has become more important with the spread of additive manufacturing methods (with the increase in the manufacturability of complex geometries). The main reason why topology optimization methods are so important is that they can lighten parts without deteriorating their mechanical properties. The aim of this study is to optimize the design of the determined mechanical parts in order to reach the most suitable conditions in terms of economy and strength with topological optimization. Within the scope of the study, the production of the optimized parts by additive manufacturing and the comparison of their mechanical performances will also be carried out.