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A team of scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a technique for voxel topological optimization of 3D printed models.
The idea is to create programmable microstructures that determine the mechanical properties of the finished 3D printed product. Special software analyzes the given load and then creates a digital model from a point cloud with a selective distribution of voxels. Each voxel is a block of material with specific properties. In their experiments, the researchers used 3D printers and supplies from Stratasys - transparent resin Vero Clear and elastic Tango Black Plus.
“Usually people construct 3D printed models by hand, but if you have a higher-level challenge, for example, if you want to design the most rigid chair or functional grip for the robot, intuition and experience alone may not be enough. Topological optimization, described in our talk, integrates physics and simulation into a closed design cycle. The problem with existing topological optimization techniques is that there is a certain variation between hardware and software capabilities. Our algorithms fill this gap, ”says Bo Zhu, one of the authors of the project.
One clear example of voxel topological optimization is a monolithic-looking gripper (in the illustrations) with a rather unusual behavior: when pressed in the "handle" area, the opposite end, that is, the clamping jaws, is also compressed.
