Abstract
Existing studies on infill patterns have tended to focus on pattern design rather than on geometric parameters. During this study, we propose a new controlling method focused specifically on the geometric parameters of infill patterns. The input parameters of this method can be used to create 3D printed objects with more lightweight interiors. The presented approach partitions a region of an object with user-specified distance inputs that are used to create infill pattern elements. Moreover, the proposed method will enable the generation of new design variations derived from a single pattern type with similar topologies and varying geometric parameters. The hexagonal pattern variations comprising regular and irregular elements have been presented. The variations of infill pattern design are useful for creating more lightweight and stronger 3D fabrications. The proposed approach is applicable for many different patterns, including linear pattern designs. The goal of this study is to devise a more cost-effective method of creating 3D-printed objects through the application of customizable infill patterns.
Highlights
The interior of 3D printed objects significantly impacts the printing process as well as the object’s physical characteristics
Depending on the end goal, 3D prints can be generated by using an interior that can either be solid, shell, or filled with geometrical patterns. 3D printed objects with an interior filled with geometrical patterns are considered to be more efficient in terms of material and printing time as compared to 3D prints with a solid interior
The design and geometric parameters of infill patterns play a major role in the creation of 3D printed objects as they have a direct effect on their weight, quality, mechanical performance, handling characteristics, and production cost
Summary
The interior of 3D printed objects significantly impacts the printing process as well as the object’s physical characteristics. Depending on the end goal, 3D prints can be generated by using an interior that can either be solid, shell, or filled with geometrical patterns. 3D printed objects with an interior filled with geometrical patterns are considered to be more efficient in terms of material and printing time as compared to 3D prints with a solid interior. Interiors using geometrical patterns greatly improve the structural soundness of an object versus one created with a shell interior, which tend to collapse under an external load. The printing technology used can vary depending on pattern type and geometric parameters. We focus on geometric parameters of infills, as our goal is to create a more lightweight interior for Designs 2019, 3, 49; doi:10.3390/designs3040049 www.mdpi.com/journal/designs
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