Six design principles for SLM-based compliant mechanisms

Abstract

This work discusses 6 design principles useful to optimise compliant mechanisms for Additive Manufacturing (AM) and more specifically Selective Laser Melting (SLM). The design principles are: 1) lattice flexures, 2) interlocking flexures, 3) embedded support structures, 4) flexure shape optimization, 5)structural topology optimization and 6) thermal warpage compensation. These six design principles are first illustrated with the example of a simple pivot. Lastly, they are applied to a compliant rotation reduction mechanism.