Efficient Automated Modeling of Lattice Structures for 3D Printing using ABAQUS

In recent years, 3D printing technology has seen significant advancements and has attracted substantial attention from both the scientific community and industry. Its ability to fabricate complex structures and surfaces, which are often unattainable with conventional machining methods such as milling, turning, and casting, sets it apart. The incorporation of lattice structures into mechanical components is becoming increasingly common as 3D printing technology progresses, allowing for optimized designs in terms of shape and weight. In this context, geometric modeling is crucial, acting as the link between design, simulation, and manufacturing. However, the process typically involves designers using CAD tools to create large geometric models, which can lead to challenges related to processing time, memory consumption, and the need to switch between different computational software packages. Therefore, there is a pressing need for more efficient and effective methods to create and represent various lattice structure configurations, thereby fully leveraging the design freedom afforded by 3D printing technology. This paper provides an overview of lattice structures and introduces an automated modeling approach for various lattice types using ABAQUS finite element analysis software, tailored for 3D printing applications.