DFAM: design for additive manufacturing

When you need this

• You print a part designed for another technology
• You want a lighter or stronger part at the same function
• You waste material and time on supports and failures

What you get

• A review against print rules
• Concrete geometry changes
• Optimization: topology, lightweighting, consolidation

How it works

1. You send the model and its function
2. Analysis: weak points for printing
3. Recommendations: concrete changes

Typical cases

• The bracket that snaps along the layers: A part loaded across the layers splits at the first serious impact. The fix is rarely “more perimeters”: it is reorientation and geometry that respects anisotropy.
• The housing with 14 print hours and 40% supports: The same function, rethought for printing, often drops below half the time: with no loss of strength.
• The 6-part assembly that could be 2: Consolidation removes fasteners, tolerances and assembly: the advantage additive has that milling does not.

The rules that solve most of the problems

• Orientation first: Layer direction defines strength, surface and supports alike.
• Self-supporting geometry: Chamfers and teardrop holes instead of overhangs that demand supports.
• Wall thickness matched to the nozzle: A wall that is a multiple of the extrusion width prints cleanly and predictably.
• Function dictates density: Infill and perimeters are chosen by the load case, not by defaults.

Who it's for

Engineers and designers who want parts made for printing.

Request a consultation

Describe your case and I'll send you a quote. Price: on request.