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Top 5 Benefits of 3D Topology Optimization Software During Product Development

To put it lightly, developing high-performance industrial equipment that are also resource-efficient is difficult. There are far too many variables to consider while creating a successful product. You must consider several variables, from space optimization to material selection.

Moreover, the traditional method of creating industrial designs is severely limited. The design production procedure is constrained and time-taking.

Topology optimization is a type of dynamic engineering procedure that deviates from the standard model by delivering optimum performance in the least time. This approach effectively eliminates limiting designs and time restrictions by leveraging the power of AI and ML. 

In fact, incredibly complex geometries that were formerly impossible to design can now be created.

Another significantly new technology developed only three decades ago has become the talk of the developer world. 

Additive manufacturing or 3-D printing is a free-form production process that allows for additive component fabrication. AM is widely used in a variety of industries, including the automobile, healthcare, and aerospace industries.

In this article, we will discuss the top 5 benefits of 3D topology optimization software. However, before that, let us understand how these two technologies complement each other. So let us dive in. 

Topology Optimization and 3D Printing

Although both these technologies developed independently of each other, they are being integrated into several design procedures in recent years. Here are the reasons why they are used in engineering design. 

  • The designs obtained through topology optimization are usually geometrically complicated. As a result, topology optimization methods based on machining, injecting modeling, and castings have been introduced. In contrast, AM allows for far more design flexibility, allowing topology optimization’s full promise to be fulfilled, and geometrical intricacy is no longer the primary determinant of fabrication cost.
  • Because the cost of producing AM technologies is directly related to the quantity of material used, topology optimization’s unique and lightweight layouts might be used to reduce costs. It is especially beneficial in the product development stage. 

Top 5 Benefits of 3D Topology Optimization Software during product development

If you are still unconvinced with the benefits of 3D topology optimization software, we have you covered. Here are five of the many advantages. 

  1. Create weight and cost optimized designs
  2. Process your designs in the least time
  3. Create better designs
  4. Aim for sustainability
  5. Maximize your design options

1. Create weight and cost optimized designs

The first advantage of topology optimization for your company is a significant decrease in development costs. This approach accomplishes this in the following way.

Topology optimization, which makes use of AI (artificial intelligence), creates design concepts that use the least amount of material and so save energy. In addition, combining many elements into a single part lowers total production and operating costs. All of these characteristics of the topology optimization process can provide your product with the competitive advantage it requires to stay ahead of the rivals in the industry.

The ability of topology optimization to minimize any unneeded weight is its most appealing feature. Size optimization reduces the amount of raw material required.

Excess weight has a negative influence on energy conservation as well. Freight will be more expensive as well. All of these benefits result in real cost savings, which is critical in a competitive industry.

The usage of topology optimization by General Electric to lower the overall weight of an engine bracket by 84 percent is a wonderful example. By boosting total energy efficiency, this improvement saved the airlines about $31 million dollars.

2. Process your designs in the least time

Because design restrictions and efficiency objectives are considered early in the design process, the final design takes less time than it would without topology optimization.

A quicker time-to-market is also a benefit of a short time span, which is especially significant for innovative products in a competitive industry.

Time is money in the corporate world. Topology optimization guarantees that you get the most out of your network. This technique compresses your development cycles by removing superfluous human input from the design phase.

This is accomplished through the use of an AI-powered topology optimization tool that generates all viable design versions while adhering to design restrictions such as specific procedures and raw materials. The result is a more rapid market launch with the highest level of confidence in the product’s success.

3. Create better designs

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One of the major challenges with conventional manufacturing model development was the scarcity of designs possible. After all, no single designer can provide an infinite number of design alternatives. Design modifications aren’t limited to topology optimization. Furthermore, you now have to accomplish sophisticated design patterns that were previously hard to produce.

3D topology optimization software like nTopology allows you to control key design factors. It lets you restart the whole operation to create additional design variations instantly. You can even use automated leveling to create a crisp, modifiable geometric model in seconds and avoid the time-consuming human restoration stage.

To produce every possible design, topology optimization employs ML (machine learning). The developer’s only constraints are the resources, space plan, and visualization approaches.

The best part is that the quality of the concepts develops over time as your system draws from formerly recovered designs’ prior data.

4. Aim for sustainability

One of the primary goals of current manufacturing sectors is sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing. However, the issue is that figuring out how to do so can be difficult. Topology optimization assures that you’ll never run out of new designs to help you achieve your aim.

By maximizing your resources, you can design products that require the least quantity of raw materials. This reduces the amount of unprocessed materials, fuel, power, energy, and other resources that are wasted. It does so by employing structural reasoning that promotes long building systems. The tool’s underlying operating mechanism makes it ideal for environmentally concerned manufacturing industries.

You must comprehend both sides of topology optimization to have a complete understanding of how the technology fits into your organization.

5. Maximize your design options

Topology optimization results in optimum product advancements. Unlike previous design processes, your product concepts are not constrained. With the capabilities of AI and ML, you have access to every imaginable product design. The only limits on your concept development are the manual limitations that you impose as a designer.

The best thing is that you’ll have access to updated designs in a matter of seconds from which to choose.

Wrapping Up the Top 5 Benefits of 3D Topology Optimization Software during product development

That’s all for this article. Hopefully, the aforementioned benefits have triggered your interest in 3D topology optimization. This technology has emerged as a boon for developers who faced severe design constraints using traditional methods.

Both modern organizations and customers expect solutions that are quicker, more productive, more efficient, and sustainable.

If you implement this technology today, you will have a competitive advantage in the market. You can create better, more optimized designs in half the time.

So, when are you leveraging this technology for your business’ success?

Author – Tuba Sarosh