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“Generative design for additive manufacturing” – Presented by Mathijs de Schipper, TNO

Designing smart structures and utilizing the full potential of additive manufacturing requires a new design approach. Using algorithms complex structures can be generated with for example varying thickness resulting a range of material hardness. I will show you my approach towards designing an insole with multiple material properties using Grasshopper.

Working with new materials sometimes requires more control over your printing process. Instead of slicing a 3D object resulting in a file for your printer you can also directly design the toolpath for your printer. For 3D foodprinting we use this approach to create complex textured food. Using a generative design approach you can directly go from design to printing.

About Mathijs de Schipper  Continue reading ““Generative design for additive manufacturing” – Presented by Mathijs de Schipper, TNO”

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“Topological optimization: findings from practice” – Presented by Simon Vermeir, Sirris

Additive manufacturing is more and more used to produce functional end-parts.

However, success is no guarantee because during the production-technology-switch to AM, the design is not always adapted. However this is crucial to gain from the AM-benefits. A new approach of product design made its entry.

Topological optimization is an inspiring way to achieve lightweight parts which still fulfill all the mechanical requirements. Findings from practice are explained.

About Simon Vermeir Continue reading ““Topological optimization: findings from practice” – Presented by Simon Vermeir, Sirris”

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“Connected Adaptive Production – From design to final parts” – Presented by Kristian Arntz, ACAM Aachen Center for Additive Manufacturing

Additive Manufacturing becomes an industrial technology nowadays. What started as a rapid prototyping technology then became a media and hobby manufacturers hype finally approaches the factories of the world. While processes, material availability and productivity are getting adult, a crucial lack remains unsolved: realizing integrated IT infrastructures in order to bring together conventional and additive manufacturing. It is not only a question of data formats that has to be solved – it is about connected, adaptive process chains which are needed in future facilities. The presentation will showcase actual developments and applications of Industrie 4.0 following the idea of “Connected, Adaptive Production”.

About Dr.-Ing. Kristian Arntz Continue reading ““Connected Adaptive Production – From design to final parts” – Presented by Kristian Arntz, ACAM Aachen Center for Additive Manufacturing”

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Trending 3D Modeling Softwares in April 2016

One year ago we first looked at what the preferred 3D modeling softwares were of our customers. Now it’s time to look at how it has changed over the course of one year.

No surprises at the top, the winner is SolidWorks again. The well-known professional CAD suite from Dassault Systèmes even managed to increase its relative market share by 0.9 percentage points to 18.6% since last year. In its footsteps SketchUp fell back almost 3 percentage points, but still managed to hold onto the silver. Continue reading “Trending 3D Modeling Softwares in April 2016”

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TNO Researchers Are Investigating Virtual Material Design in 3D Printing

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has been a popular topic of discussion on the COMSOL Blog and throughout the scientific community. New initiatives have furthered the capabilities of this technology, while extending its reach in various fields of research, manufacturing, and design. With the help of COMSOL Multiphysics, researchers at the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) are investigating the promise of 3D printing in the realm of material design. Continue reading “TNO Researchers Are Investigating Virtual Material Design in 3D Printing”