Presented by Nic Minnaar from Altair and Jacobus Prinsloo from Aeroswift, we discuss the value of using topology optimization when designing for additive manufacturing.
Aeroswift's 3D Printer is able to print parts which are up to ten times bigger and print them ten times faster than any other printer.
In the case study the thought process behind the design of the largest UAV frame ever to be printed in metal, in a collaboration between Altair and Aeroswift, is presented.
In order to stay competitive while pushing the envelope on innovation, simulation must drive the entire design process from the early concept design phase all the way to production. Leveraging robust simulation—including motion analysis, finite element analysis, and manufacturing feasibility analysis—early and often has become a necessary driver to innovation and is helping numerous industry-leading companies to meet quality, cost, and time-to-market targets.
To successfully take advantage of the benefits of 3D printing and additive manufacturing, a new design and simulation process must be used. It is not beneficial to simply ‘print’ a current design. New tools and advanced computational power have enabled users to optimize solid geometries for stiffness and weight, and also allowed them to simulate loading conditions and lightweight designs. These new computational tools also give users the opportunity to test how a design will perform under real-world conditions.
The additive manufacturing industry continues to grow as serial manufacturing applications across many sectors are realized. Topology optimization and generative design software further exploit the benefits and capacity of additive manufacturing by generating designs that increase function and reduce material, weight, design time, and cost.
This is where Altair Compose can help enable you to efficiently perform numerical computations, develop algorithms, analyze & visualize various types of data.
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