Blog Insight Software Tip
Use honeycomb internal structures for model material reduction without losing strength!
The honeycomb sandwich construction is one of the most valued structural engineering innovations developed by the composites industry. Used extensively in aerospace and many other industries, the honeycomb sandwich provides the following key benefits over conventional materials:
– Very low weight
– High stiffness
– Durability
– Production cost savings
In figure one, you see an adhesive surface and facing skin. If you compare this to a part built in FDM you have your surface layers on the top and bottom of a honeycomb pattern. The following screen shots will demonstrate the same part processed with normal solid fill and honeycomb fill created in a custom group.
Notice model material used, build time, and support material used
By clicking on the alternate sparse fill pattern box you can change the fill to hexagonal. You can also change to porous hexagonal and sawtooth pattern.
Notice the hexagonal pattern.
Notice by creating a custom group between the part sparse solid layers you saved 4 hours of build time and 25 cubic inches of material without sacrificing part strength.
Resources……Hexcel Composites
Derek Ellis
Application Engineer