A
utodesk recently added a futuristic function
to its Fusion 360 design software. The new
Generative Design workspace uses cloud-based
artificial intelligence (AI) software that designs
mesh and T-spline models with parameters that
you provide. It’s called generative because the
software generates dozens or hundreds of
solutions from those parameters. If you don’t like
any of the results, you can input different
parameters. The software will offer different,
improved outcomes via machine learning, the
ability to learn from and analyze data without
being specifically programmed to do so.
Generative design is not exclusive to Fusion
360. Autodesk Revit, PTC’s Creo, and Siemens NX
are other programs that have it. This software
has produced buildings, products, and
construction materials.
WHY USE GENERATIVE DESIGN?
Generative design can produce lighter, stronger,
more cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing
outcomes than you could think up on your own.
It frees you from your personal limits on
imagination, time, history, engineering biases
and experience. Outcomes often look different
from traditional solutions, such as the wheel rims
in Figure
A
and the airplane partition in Figure
B
. This is because the AI uses biomimicry and
evolutionary algorithms to produce designs
that are organic looking. You’re unlikely to get a
perfect, finished design from the generative
process, but you’ll get a base design to edit
and develop.
ACCESS THE GENERATIVE
DESIGN WORKSPACE
Find it in the workspace switcher of a paid,
educational, or 30-day trial version of Fusion 360
(Figure
C
). Depending on your version, you may
need cloud credits to run it. The trial version is
limited to 300 cloud credits. Buy them through
Autodesk, Lydia Sloan Cline
SCALMALLOY is a high-performance alloy metal made from scandium,
aluminum, and magnesium. Lightweight, strong, and ductile, it was
developed by Airbus specifically to 3D print parts for airplanes.
Wheel rims for a Volkswagen Microbus.
The Generative Design tab.
An Airbus partition that was generatively designed and
3D printed with Scalmalloy, a material that was also
generatively designed.
103
make.co
A
B
C
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