How to create generative design with more detail?

[Anonymous]

Hi guys!

I try to create a more detailed generative design simulation. My simulation result is attached as a picture. I use the simulation tool "form optimization". Is it possible to create something as shown in the rendered picture attached? How can I achieve something like that?

thank you for your help & time!

[I_Forge_KC]

The little manifold example you posted is actually created with a different kind of software. That specific example was made using a tool called Within (now integrated into Netfabb Ultimate).

http://www.withinlab.com/case-studies/new_index7.php

One of the frustrating things about topology optimization software is that the mesh resolution dramatically affects the outcome shape. Not so much in that the shape is different, but you start to lose a lot of fidelity with large meshes. Tools like Fusion will warn you like a fine mesh doesn't give better results - and they're correct up to a point. There are occasions, though, where you need the extra resolution in order to extract fine details. One feature of some other topo packages on the market is the ability to specify minimum and maximum geometry sizes - as to enforce smaller webs.

If you tinker with the mesh sizing you can get much smoother and more organic looking results. It takes a LOOOOOONG time sometimes, but it can be worth it.

I will also say that Autodesk Generative Design (AGD) is MUCH better at the creation of smooth forms. This is from my early work with AGD:

Look for more info on AGD in the near future!

[Anonymous]

oh ok, ty!

I have found a video about the process. The method is called Liquid Lattice and was made, as you said, in Within: https://youtu.be/3KQfHBWEBg8?t=1222 

Do you know if the netfabb software, which is available for students & educators, has these functionality integrated? /e: It is only Netfabb Standard 😞

I have reduced the mesh to 1%, but it got an error during the calculation in the cloud. With 3% it worked - but not with such an organic web. I will try to calculate a smaller example with a denser mesh.

I have also read about "Autodesk Generative Design", but is it a software available or is like a beta project?

[I_Forge_KC]

I'm not sure which tier of Netfabb is available to the education community. In order to achieve this type of modified lattice you would need to be using the Ultimate tier, though.

As an alternative, you could look at nTopology Element Pro. They offer similar functionality with regards to creation of modified lattices. The free version may do what you want, but you'd be missing out on the stochastic lattice types as well as BRep export. Element Pro is available to students for free if they meet certain criteria. For educators it is cheaper, but not free at all.

The commercial license of both softwares is something like $10,000/yr

Autodesk Generative Design is the commercialized version of Project Dreamcatcher. The program is currently in a tech preview state. It was announced at AU2017 that Fusion Ultimate subscribers could join the tech preview program. With some near future changes, I'm not entirely certain of the status of the program with respect to onboarding new people. There is a sticky post at the top of the forum from the research team looking for volunteers to interview about the software - it would be good to sign up for that.