An Optimal Layout Model of Curved Panels for Using 3D Printing

Recently, the application of 3D printing in the production of curved panels has increased due to the irregular shape of free-form buildings. In general, 3D printing based on additive manufacturing (AM) methods requires various supports that cause a waste of printing materials and an increase in production time. In this study, we proposed a method for printing a pair of panels that can hold each other through the minimal support connected between each panel. However, this printing method causes an additional non-productivity factor called the non-printing path for the nozzle to move between the pair of panels. Therefore, we also developed an optimal layout model that can minimize non-printing paths and used the genetic algorithm (GA) for its calculation. As a result of applying the optimization model proposed in this study through the case study, the non-printing path was reduced by 18.54% compared with that from the existing method, and the non-printing time was reduced by 34.41 h. The total production time, including non-printing time and printing time, was reduced by 3.89%, and the productivity was improved by 4.04%. The model proposed in this study is expected to minimize unproductive factors that occur in the process of manufacturing curved panels and reduce the energy consumption.