Topological optimization is a mathematical and software method which consists in distributing the material in a given volume according to the constraints which will be applied. It is used in digital design and more particularly in the field of additive manufacturing because it makes it possible to use even less material while respecting the desired mechanical properties. In other words, it reduces both the time and cost of manufacturing. Today, several companies have developed their topology optimization software or at least solutions that offer this functionality. Take a look at the tools currently available in the 3D printing market for part optimization!

3DXpert

3DXpert is an all-in-one software from 3D Systems. 3DXpert is designed to optimally support the additive manufacturing process from design to post-processing. Users can model and optimize innovative assemblies with the software. The parts are therefore made from fewer individual parts, have higher strength, optimized structure and lower weight. This increases the efficiency of 3D printed parts, which is particularly important for the production of patient-specific implants or for parts with complex anatomical geometries. Key benefits of the software include support functions for print preparation, print simulation and optimization, workflow automation, and data integrity.

Inspiring by Altaïr

Altair Engineering, a software and cloud solutions provider, has developed several 3D modeling solutions, some of which are specifically designed for additive manufacturing. The company has also developed topological optimization tools such as OptiStruct, now integrated with Altair Inspire. OptiStruct is a CAD modeling software widely used in the 3D printing market because it allows users to visualize their parts, apply constraints and loads, simplify certain geometries, etc. The topology optimization feature offers several options such as temperature, optimization goals, gravity, or travel and loading conditions.

Discovery Ansys

Ansys Discovery is a family offering of 3D design software products from the US engineering simulation software company, Ansys. Designed as a 3D simulation software, it combines physical simulation, high fidelity simulation and geometric modeling in one easy to use tool and topology optimization is just one of the impressive specifications that one can find inside. According to the company, the simulation software will allow engineers to quickly prepare models for simulation or create a design.

CogniCAD

ParaMatters is a fully autonomous and intuitive cloud-based generative design, simulation and manufacturing platform that helps optimize all stages from design to manufacturing. Their topology optimization solution is CogniCAD. This cloud platform is interesting because it has a number of useful features for 3D design, for example offering a fully automated 1-click design of support structures for SLA and DLP, including angle control of overhang, typical array size and beam width, contact point thickness and more, all with STL output for AM. It is also one of the few offerings to have multi-material topology optimization, critical as additive manufacturing is increasingly moving towards the use of more materials for a single part.

Creo

Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC) is an American company that has developed several software products for the Internet of Things and augmented reality. She developed Creo, a CAD solution widely used in the additive manufacturing market as it allows users to design, optimize and validate models before they go to the printer. Several versions exist today; the one that interests us in particular is the Creo Generative Topology Optimization (GTO) extension, compatible with Creo 7 and Creo 8. It allows the constraints and requirements of the 3D model to be defined while taking into account the materials and manufacturing processes used. . Finally, it is an option that improves your productivity since it takes into account all your requirements.

Netfabb

Acquired by Autodesk in 2015, Netfabb is a software solution designed to prepare for the production process. Among its main features, you can find the conversion and import of models from different CAD applications, the maximization of the number of parts that can be printed and, as expected, the optimization of the design for additive manufacturing. Due to the great design freedom offered by this technology, Netfabb had to integrate topological optimization into its software solution. In addition to preparing for the printing process, the program helps reduce failures during the printing process by predicting how parts might be affected. Netfabb is available in 4 different versions: Standard, Premium, Ultimate and Simulation, its price will therefore vary depending on the version chosen.

nTopology

Based in New York, nTopology is a company dedicated to the development of software solutions enabling the creation of complex geometries through topology optimization and generative design. The program is able to solve the most advanced engineering and manufacturing problems, as well as generate unique and high performance parts. It has a wide variety of tools, unique design automation capabilities, and complexities for advanced manufacturing. It is certainly a cost effective option for the demanding additive manufacturing industry, which is constantly looking to lighten parts while lowering production costs.

Siemens NX

Siemens has developed an integrated software solution called NX. It allows any user to benefit from all the advantages of additive manufacturing by simplifying the modeling steps. Concretely, its tool will allow users to design for 3D printing, prepare their part, visualize it, multiply iterations, etc. Among the features offered, topological optimization is obviously part of what Siemens calls convergent modeling. He developed a solution to allow traditional geometry to converge with mesh models in the same model. The user no longer needs to go through another file format and export it if he wants to optimize his part: everything is done on the same platform. NX is not topology optimization software per se: it is an all-in-one solution that offers this function for additive manufacturing.

Solid edge

Owned by the multinational Siemens, Solid Edge is one of the solutions par excellence when it comes to creating three-dimensional models. The program was first introduced in 1996 by the company Intergraph, and it remains today one of the most widely used software by experts in the additive manufacturing industry. In this sector, one of the strengths of Solid Edge is the generative design which, combined with topological optimization, allows to lighten the final parts and to require less material. The software can be purchased through 4 types of licenses, depending on the use and functionality required for the 3D design.

Solid Thought

Although the company is now under Altair, we also wanted to mention solidThinking’s topology optimization software due to its popularity over the years, Inspire 2018. Claimed to be one of the generative design / topology optimization solutions the most powerful and easiest to use in the industry by solidThinking, the software has a number of features that help users quickly create designs that could ultimately lead to reduced costs, development time, consumption of materials and product weight, all essential for additively manufactured parts. The latest version in 2018 included the ability to generate trellis and mixed solid – lattice structures that could then be exported to an STL file as well as Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) with overhanging shape controls.

Sulis

With Sulis, the software publisher Gen3D aims to innovate in the additive manufacturing process. DfAM software gives the user immediate feedback on the geometry and supports the definition of the print layout. Various editing tools are available for this purpose, which speed up the click-and-drag modeling process. In addition, Sulis allows users to add grid structures to their model and plan them in detail. With its software solutions, the British company wants to enable designers to shorten their lead times and reduce their costs. The AM specialist has clients from various industries, including manufacturers of aerospace, automotive, medical and industrial machinery.

Tosca

Tosca is an optimization suite from Dassault Systèmes. It is a powerful structural and flow optimization solution based on FEA and CFD simulations. The company offers two product solutions in this regard: Tosca Structure and Tosca Fluid. Tosca Structure can be used to optimize the design of light, stiff and durable parts. By optimizing the topology, the development process as well as the time to market can be reduced. This is an advantage that car manufacturers, among others, know how to use. The current version of Tosca ships with Python 3.7.1 and has been enhanced to include the automatic creation of shutdown conditions. The second product, Tosca Fluid, is used for the design and non-parametric fluid flow topology for components and systems.

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