Optimized Build Plate Design Tool for Metal Laser Powder Bed Additive Manufacturing

The goal of this STTR Phase I research proposal is to develop a Support Structure Planning System (SSPS) that will be capable of optimizing the build plate layout for powder bed Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes . The objectives of this Phase I project are to demonstrate the feasibility of 1) automatic identification of the need for support structures; 2) non-contact support structure design for residual stresses reduction; and 3) model-based optimal support structure design for achieving uniform heat dissipation while also ensuring easy support structure removal. The Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of SSPS while Phase I Option will be based on the Phase I results to enhance the prototype and perform more case studies. The eventual goal of this project will be an SSPS software for Navy use, and also dual use commercialization applications in Phase III.