The link between topology optimization and additive manufacturing: Combined topology and control system optimisation for motion systems

The design case of a simplified motion system serves to demonstrate the potential of topology optimisation (TO) techniques for improving the performance of such systems. The presented methodology allows the extensive design freedom offered by topology design to be explored and results in a conceptual design. The intrinsic capability of TO of coming up with complex geometries suggests a very natural and powerful link with Additive Manufacturing techniques that can realise such geometries with few restrictions.