Emily Suzuki
Generative design technology enables rapid design exploration by simultaneously generating multiple solutions based on manufacturing constraints and product performance requirements.
This video highlights the importance of evaluating manufacturing constraints and options, such as 5-axis milling, waterjet cutting, or additive manufacturing techniques, and how these options impact the design process.
This design method starts by framing the most essential geometric aspects of the problem, adding, removing, or modifying to create preserved geometries where geometry must remain or obstacle areas to be avoided. Loads are applied to represent the rigors the part must withstand. From there, multiple material options can be designated. Next, set the objectives, whether that be to maximize stiffness or achieve a certain factor of safety.
At this point, you’re already almost ready to start generating results. However, before you do that, let’s deviate from a traditional design scope to also include manufacturing constraints.
Applying manufacturing constraints to the generative design process
Will the part be milled? Do you have access to a 5-axis machine or a 3-axis machine? Could the part be produced on a water jet or plasma cutter? What about die casting or additive manufacturing? All of these options come with unique benefits, challenges and costs.
In traditional CAD, teams often find themselves investigating one concept at a time. However, generative design in Autodesk Fusion allows for simultaneous exploration of multiple manufacturing-ready designs tailored to specific engineering needs.
After generating, explore the results with different tools and plots to compare each outcome based on the properties that are most important to you. The generated output is a seamless solid model that you can modify adn ultimately leverage all the tools found throughout Fusion’s other workspaces.
Fusion lconnects generative design and engineering with a fully integrated manufacturing workspace for those generating machine code and producing parts. This means you can start programming in the same environment and can even get a head start while the deisgn is finalized because the process to update the tool paths is as simple as regenerating them.
Now you know how to evaluate manufacturing constraints for generative design in Autodesk Fusion. Check out the official Fusion YouTube channel for more valuable learning content.