Fast layer fiber orientation optimization method for continuous fiber-reinforced material extrusion process
Material extrusion (MEX) is an additive manufacturing process that uses thermoplastic layer-by-layer building. The use of continuous fiber-reinforced filament enhances mechanical properties, making MEX suitable for use in aerospace, automotive, and robotics industries. This study proposes a laminate optimization method to improve the stiffness of printed parts with low computing time. The 2D stress-flow-based method optimizes fiber’s orientation for each layer in the stacking direction, giving results for a 3D part optimization in a few minutes. Developed with Ansys Parametric Design Language, the computation tool was tested on printed wrenches, resulting in an 18% increase in stiffness. The proposed method is applicable to any printable shape.
Yicha Zhang serves as the Editorial Board Member of the journal, but did not in any way involve in the editorial and peer-review process conducted for this paper, directly or indirectly.
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