2025/09/19 by Charles Wade, Wade, Charles, Robert MacCurdy +2 · 2 citations
Engineering · #Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies #FOS: Computer and information sciences #Graphics (cs.GR) #Innovations in Concrete and Construction Materials #Manufacturing Process and Optimization
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2509.15562
openalex publication_date 2025/09/19 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
This paper introduces open-source contributions designed to accelerate research in volumetric multi-material additive manufacturing and metamaterial design. We present a flexible Python-based API facilitating parametric expression of multi-material gradients, integration with external libraries, multi-material lattice structure design, and interoperability with finite element modeling. Novel implicit multi-material modeling techniques enable detailed spatial grading at multiple scales within lattice structures. Additionally, our framework integrates with finite element analysis, offering predictive simulations via adaptive mesh sizing and direct import of simulation results to guide material distributions. Practical case studies illustrate the utility of these contributions, including functionally graded lattices, algorithmically generated structures, and simulation-informed designs, exemplified by a multi-material bicycle seat optimized for mechanical performance and rider comfort. Finally, we introduce a mesh export strategy compatible with standard slicing software, significantly broadening the accessibility and adoption of functionality graded computational design methodologies for multi-material fabrication.