A comparison of recent optimization algorithms for build orientation problems in additive manufacturing

Build orientation in additive manufacturing technology is a pre-process application that affects many parameters, such as the volume of the support structure, part quality, build time, and cost. Determining the optimum build orientation for one or more objectives for complex parts is an error-prone puzzle. This study evaluates the behavior of cuckoo search algorithm, differential evolution, firefly algorithm, genetic algorithm, gray wolf optimizer, Harris hawks optimization, jaya algorithm, moth flame optimizer, multi-verse optimizer, particle swarm optimization, A Sine cosine algorithm, salp swarm algorithm, and whale optimization algorithm to determine the optimum build orientation of the component to be manufactured additively. The efficiency of these algorithms is evaluated on the build orientation problem of two complex components considering undercut area and build height as objective functions. Thus, the feasibility of these algorithms for real-world additive manufacturing problems is revealed. According to results obtained from the extensive analysis, the cuckoo search algorithm is the best alternative for minimizing undercut area, considering its robustness. However, the required time to solve the problem is as much as almost twice that of other algorithms. The firefly algorithm and particle swarm optimization algorithm are the best alternatives for minimizing build height.