A Topology Optimization Method for Hybrid Subtractive–Additive Remanufacturing

This paper presents a hybrid subtractive–additive remanufacturing oriented topology optimization method. This method provides a design-for-remanufacturing approach, which offer solutions for product upgrade or repair. To be specific, a used part is first machined to remove material, and then additively deposited of materials on top. In this way, either the function of the part is upgraded or the broken part is repaired. Beneficially, the used part is economically and environment-friendly recycled. This method is developed under the level set framework and innovatively, the layer-wise level set representation of the additive manufacturing part is adopted for self-support and material anisotropy control. Especially for the latter point, the hybrid deposition path, a combination of contour-offset and zig–zag path patterns, is adopted for deposition path planning, which will be concurrently optimized for the best material anisotropy distribution. Therefore, what will be presented in this paper is a novel combination of structural topological design and process planning to derive the optimal hybrid remanufacturing strategy. This is a very novel trial and we have performed experiments to verify its effectiveness.