Design World – August 2019

3D CAD

techno

The software asks

the user preliminary

questions. What sorts

of materials would

you consider for your

design? Where does

it connect with other

things as part of

an assembly? What

are the loads? What

are the pieces of

geometry?

machine learning, or they say it’s related

to the neural network or to neuroscience.

Definitions vary.” The machine learning

that AI depends on is actually already

present to a certain degree in the CAD

systems that include topology optimization

and generative design capabilities. “The

primary functions of these features within

CAD is to automate the analytical steps

of design, Vlahinos says. The computer

generates designs from an engineer’s

preliminary directions.”

The key focus of AI in CAD right now is

design optimization achieved through the

creation of more intelligent designs which

are lighter, stronger and more economical.

And, in some cases, more artistic, continues

Vlahinos.

Typically, designers create their design

step by step, analyzing certain junctions to

get critical feedback about performance.

They tweak the design if it doesn’t

meet performance needs or customer

specifications. The incorporation of AI, as

it stands now, allows the designers to skip

these time-consuming steps allowing the

task to get over quickly and effectively.

Last year, for example, Autodesk released

generative design to subscribers of its

With proper validation

in place -- AI tools can

help ensure parts will meet

manufacturing specifications

and allow for quicker design

than traditional methods.

It also can create unorthodox,

sometimes never-before-

seen-shapes that can

be manufactured through

3D printing.

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DESIGN WORLD August 2019 115

Fusion 360 Ultimate product development

software. The design concept allows

engineers to define design parameters

such as material, size, weight, strength,

manufacturing methods, and cost

constraints–before they begin to design.

Then, using artificial-intelligence-based

algorithms, the software presents an array of

design options that meet the predetermined

criteria, says Ravi Akella, who headed the

product management team for Autodesk’s

generative manufacturing solutions before

moving last year to become director of

product development at Roblox. The

feature focuses on helping designers define

the problem they’re trying to solve, he says.

“The software asks the user preliminary

questions. ‘What sorts of materials would

you consider for your design? Where does

it connect with other things as part of an

assembly? What are the loads? What are the

pieces of geometry?’” Akella says.

After a short period of time, the software

then presents designers and engineers with

an array of design options that best meet

their requirements. Designers choose the

best design. Or, if none of the options meet

their needs, they can begin the generative

process again, this time offering slightly

different inputs.

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