Generative design for additive manufacturing using a biological development analogy

Abstract The transformation in manufacturing capability being driven by new processes, such as additive manufacturing, offers huge potential for product innovation and opportunity to create bespoke designs tailored individual specifications or needs. However, current design systems tools are not yet capable of fully capitalizing on these technologies approaches needed. Many methodologies top-down sequential, offering limited flexibility an overly constrained space. Post-processing is needed ensure that a can be manufactured. This work presents novel bottom-up methodology generate tightly integrated with the environment respond flexibly changes environment. Focusing overhang exemplar constraint, method engenders either locally adjusting geometry stay within limits adding appropriate support structure. bio-inspired, based strategies observed natural systems, particularly biological growth development. grown computer-aided design-based, bio-inspired generative system called ‘Biohaviour’. process similar plant growth, design’s final configuration, shape, size informed both internal stresses. approach demonstrated limit build orientation extensible any general situation.