Development of a topology‐optimized indoor crane trolley for additive manufacturing

Abstract

AbstractWith the help of additive manufacturing, almost any geometry can be produced. Even those that are impossible or difficult to produce using conventional manufacturing techniques. Topology optimization offers the possibility of designing such geometries and thus also provides added technical value. Therefore, combining those two techniques allows the advantages of each field to be fully exploited. Using a practical example, the housing of a trolley of a smooth‐running crane system, this paper gives an idea of how the process can look like and what needs to be taken into account during implementation. Here it is shown that when considering a system with multiple interfaces to surrounding components, taking into account defined boundary conditions is not possible and a substitute model must be created, which requires a correction of the result.