Stepanek3D: Using generative design for conventional technologies

A brief overview of applications for conventional technologies

Generative design in Fusion 360 enables design with the following manufacturing technologies in mind:

a) CNC machining (CNC Machining)

• CNC machining is one of the most widely used conventional manufacturing technologies in combination with generative design. The resulting designs are optimised for efficient machining and minimise material use, leading to cost and time savings.

• Suitable for manufacturing parts from both metals and plastics.

b) Casting / injection moulding of parts (Casting)

• Generative design can create designs optimised for casting, which is ideal for high-volume production of metal or plastic parts. The software designs complex shapes.

• This technology is suitable for products that have complex geometries and require series production.

c) Sheet metal parts (Sheet Metal)

• Fusion 360 includes generative solutions for manufacturing sheet metal parts, optimising designs for processes such as bending, laser cutting and welding. The software can create designs that are suitable for straightforward manufacturing using available sheet metal technologies.

Fusion 360 generative design

Generative design inputs and outputs

Inputs:

• Loading criteria: Physical forces and loads to which the product will be subjected.

• Material properties: Material selection is important for strength and weight optimisation. Custom material profiles can also be created.

• Manufacturing constraints: Such as the available axes for CNC machining, sheet thickness, or the minimum and maximum dimensions of the part.

• Spatial constraints: Defining the volume or region within which the part must be manufactured.

Outputs:

• Optimised designs: Fusion 360 offers multiple solutions optimised for various parameters (e.g. weight, strength, manufacturing costs, etc.).

• 3D models: The outputs are 3D models in various formats that can be used directly in the manufacturing process (e.g. formats for CNC machining).

• Simulations and analyses: Before manufacturing, strength and mechanical analyses can be performed to verify the calculation against the design objectives and the selected factor of safety.  

Benefits of using generative design for conventional technologies

• Material savings: Generative design optimises the amount of material used, saving costs and reducing product weight.

• Shorter development cycle: The automated design process saves the time needed to create complex designs.

• Design innovation: Enables the creation of shapes and geometries that could not be designed efficiently using traditional methods.

• Integration with manufacturing technologies: Fusion 360 provides outputs ready for direct manufacturing on CNC machines, for sheet metal parts, or for additive technologies.

Benefits of using Fusion 360 generative design for conventional technologies

Generative design in Autodesk Fusion 360 offers extensive possibilities for optimising designs that can be manufactured using traditional technologies, such as CNC machining, casting or sheet metal fabrication. The calculation allows us to design the ideal geometry on the first attempt (traditional engineering design methods are usually less efficient and involve trial and error), taking the calculation objectives into account.

At STEPANEK3D, we can help with implementing the entire design process, from defining boundary conditions through running the calculation to selecting suitable solutions and subsequent work with the calculated models, such as verification through analyses, parametric remodelling and preparation of technical documentation. You can find more about model optimisation here.