This thesis presents the design and development of a software tool for automated CAD model preparation and comparative topology optimization of components intended for metal 3D printing. The developed tool operates in the SolidWorks environment and uses the SolidWorks API to connect several consecutive steps that are usually performed manually by the user. The program enables the selection and preparation of CAD models, basic dimensional verification, and preparation of data for numerical simulations. It also enables the definition of boundary conditions, loads, preserved regions, materials, and the factor of safety, followed by the automatic preparation of one static study and multiple topology studies. The purpose of the developed solution is to reduce repetitive manual work, standardize the model preparation procedure, and enable faster comparison of results for different materials. Using a test CAD model, the tool automatically prepared and executed one static study and three topology studies for aluminium, steel, and titanium. The complete process from model selection to the completion of the simulations took 1 h and 6 min, while the results enabled a standardized comparison of the materials in terms of mass, volume, factor of safety, and material distribution.
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