ITERATIVE MULTICRITERIA SIMULATION AND PROTOTYPING OPTIMIZATION IN MANUFACTURING

In this work a multicriteria simulation optimization method previously developed in our research group was applied to the experimental optimization of a 3D printed prototype. Both, simulation and prototyping, share the objective of providing as much information as possible about a product before its actual manufacturing. The prototype is an interlocking device that can be assembled without fastening devices or substances and reassembled into different planar assemblies. The design of the prototype considers two conflicting criteria simultaneously: maximal flexural strength and minimal mass. Multicriteria simulation optimization allows to manipulate a set of design variables to identify configurations with the best possible balances among both criteria. This method consists of an iterative framework based on experimental design and Pareto efficiency conditions. The aim of this work is to show the potential of the method beyond its initial intended use in simulation to approach truly experimental work.