(Non-)linear stiffness customisation of metallic additive manufactured springs

Additive manufacturing (AM) facilitates the fabrication of compliant mechanisms through its free-form and design customisation capabilities. Specifically, properties kinetic such as springs can be extended with regards to their inherent (non-)linear stiffness functions. This allows for AM according user preferences. By combining synthesis approach building blocks structural optimisation AM, it is possible define customise spring functionalities. The process employs an automated computational framework based on a genetic algorithm scheme, which has been demonstrated randomised reference case studies. enables attainment linear, progressive (stiffening), degressive (softening) curves. manufacturability validated laser powder bed fusion using stainless-steel material 17–4 PH (H900). have resulted in accuracy error maximum 6.48% precision 5% compression testing.