A DfAM framework for the design of compliant structures

Additive manufacturing methods present prospects for designed mechanical deformation via the integration of controlled anisotropic lattice structure forms. Their assimilation into a Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) process would create a novel framework for the design of compliant mechanisms (CM). The method uses lattice structures to replace rigid multi-part mechanisms, with integrated and controlled flexibility into a single, compact, and precise component. In recent years, a lot of research has gone into making algorithms that enable users to generate CMs for their designs. But by relying on algorithms to design solutions, are they neglecting to fully understand how these mechanisms work. This work undertakes the design and development of a novel DfAM Framework, that utilises controlled lattice structure deformations to create a standardised method of CM design. The authors have developed a method for this, whilst allowing users to tailor CMs to their design, by using a wide selection of pretested structures. Indicating suitable structures for their design using an integrated novel taxonomy. The framework is tested and developed using a series of case studies.