Scholarlink

<p>This paper presents an algorithm-aided design approach that supports the 3D printing of microtextures on both polymeric and metallic surfaces. A Grasshopper-based algorithm was developed that combines control curves for pattern arrangement, with a mathematical function to define unit geometry. This enabled textures with variable shape, size, and gradients to be applied to flat and curved surfaces. Polymer microtextures were printed using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). A benchmark with concave and convex circular features established minimum printable feature sizes. Parts produced by FFF and SLS achieved minimum diameters of 0.3–0.9&#xa0;mm, depending on orientation, except for SLS-concave, for which the minimum diameter was 1.2&#xa0;mm. Sharkskin-inspired microtextures were found to exhibit accurate length and width (&lt; 1% deviation), while feature heights were undersized by on average 10–21%, depending on the technology. The dimensional deviations of circular features were quantified and modelled using second-order regression. The output was integrated into the Grasshopper algorithm to enable automatic compensation for print design deviations. Parts printed with compensation exhibited a 62% reduction in average deviation. Printing textured parts was shown to increase FFF build time by 2.8 × but only by 3% for SLS prints. The microtexturing approach was also successfully demonstrated for titanium alloy parts printed using Laser Powder Bed Fusion, highlighting the potential of the developed algorithm-aided microtexturing approach for use in conjunction with a broader range of additive manufacturing technologies.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Controlled additive microtexturing of polymer and metal alloy surfaces using algorithm-aided design

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月24日

查看全文
  • Pádraig Cody,
  • Kevin A. McDonnell,
  • Denis P. Dowling

摘要

This paper presents an algorithm-aided design approach that supports the 3D printing of microtextures on both polymeric and metallic surfaces. A Grasshopper-based algorithm was developed that combines control curves for pattern arrangement, with a mathematical function to define unit geometry. This enabled textures with variable shape, size, and gradients to be applied to flat and curved surfaces. Polymer microtextures were printed using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). A benchmark with concave and convex circular features established minimum printable feature sizes. Parts produced by FFF and SLS achieved minimum diameters of 0.3–0.9 mm, depending on orientation, except for SLS-concave, for which the minimum diameter was 1.2 mm. Sharkskin-inspired microtextures were found to exhibit accurate length and width (< 1% deviation), while feature heights were undersized by on average 10–21%, depending on the technology. The dimensional deviations of circular features were quantified and modelled using second-order regression. The output was integrated into the Grasshopper algorithm to enable automatic compensation for print design deviations. Parts printed with compensation exhibited a 62% reduction in average deviation. Printing textured parts was shown to increase FFF build time by 2.8 × but only by 3% for SLS prints. The microtexturing approach was also successfully demonstrated for titanium alloy parts printed using Laser Powder Bed Fusion, highlighting the potential of the developed algorithm-aided microtexturing approach for use in conjunction with a broader range of additive manufacturing technologies.