Casting in GEnerative Design

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone!

When will casting manufacturing constraint be available in the Generative design workflow? This video

http://au.autodesk.com/au-online/classes-on-demand/class-catalog/classes/year-2017/netfabb/de124132#... @Anonymous:40 shows four options for manufacturing but currently the software has only additive manufacturing with milling as tech preview only. I have attached a screenshot from the video. I want to get results for parts that are to be cast.                                                                      

Thanks

Pratik

[David.Short.]

Hi @Anonymous,

Thanks for reaching out on the forum.

It is hard to put a concrete time frame on this but rest assured that the design rules have been developed and thus you should't have to wait long! 

I have inquired internally to try and get a rough estimate for you and will let you know shortly.

All the best,

David

[I_Forge_KC · Accepted solution]

In the meantime, use a 3 axis strategy with only two directions selected to create designs suitable for sand casting.

[David.Short. · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous,

We cannot commit to a fixed delivery date but the plan is to expand manufacturing constraints on a continual basis over the next year.

As @I_Forge_KC suggests. 3 axis milling should give a good approximation. (enable milling under tech preview preferences)

All the best,

David

[Anonymous]

Thanks both of you for replying.

That's what I have been doing. In my case applying Z+ and Z- directions to simulate casting. But I am not sure how accurate the results are, considering its a Tech Preview option. Can you comment on that?

PS.  The results I am getting now at first glance seem feasible though I need to look into it thoroughly.

[I_Forge_KC]

I obviously can't speak for Autodesk, but it has been my experience that once a product reaches "tech preview" status that the functionality is working nominally but there may be changes to interface or user interaction (e.g. more options included, change of menus, etc.).

Prior to the launch of the milling strategies I used to use a combination of TSplines and the Rhino "drape" functionality to create castable/moldable designs with a specified parting line. It was a manual process but yielded good results. Today, I'll take the milling results and use them instead because the milling results meet my needs well  enough - though obviously draft may not be present. One way i have found to "encourage" draft is to use a fairly short tool length. When the tool tries to reach the periphery of the part, if a collision is detected, the part will either create a drafted interface or keep high sides - either option is fine with me. Also, a short tool lends itself to forged designs as well (where deep draws aren't acceptable).

Just some food for thought.

[Anonymous]

Forging for high temperature metals would also be great to add.