Tag: Optimization

Canada makes 3D printed satellite part set for launch into space

The interface bracket that will be launched later this year. Photo via Canada Makes. Canada Makes has announced its role in the development of a 3D printed satellite bracket that will be sent to space later this year.

To build the part, the Canadian additive manufacturing agency partnered with French metal manufacturers FusiA and Canadian communications company MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA). The project was funded by Canada Makes’ Metal Additive Demonstration program which is supported by Canadian research program, NRC-IRAP.

By using 3D printing to create the part, the group will reduce weight, optimize size and shape, and lower costs. According to Canada Makes General Manager, Frank Defalco, their “primary goal is to reinforce Canada’s additive manufacturing supply chain and this project is a big step in that direction.”

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Stratasys and Dassault Systèmes to optimize design of 3D printed parts

One of 3D printing’s big advantages is that it allows designs to be optimized, free of the restrictions of traditional, reductive manufacture. 

Stratasys and Dassault Systèmes have partnered to develop next-generation design tools that improve the efficiency, functionality, strength and weight of end-use parts produced using Stratasys’s fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing process.

Stratasys will work with SIMULIA—the Dassault Systèmes’ brand focused on simulation software applications—to offer simulation capabilities that facilitate optimization of final part designs for a range of applications, including those in the aerospace and automotive industries.

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3D printing brings out the full potential of topology optimization

Why marry 3D Printing with Topology Optimization?

Topology optimization is an additive design approach to produce models to fit the operation conditions. Image courtesy of solidThinking.3D printing gives engineers the freedom to design products that cannot be manufactured any other way.

The process of adding material, as opposed to subtracting material, allows for more intricate shapes. This has given engineers an unprecedented chance to design lighter, more organic looking products.

Historically, the way we make objects has influenced the way we design them. “When we use a traditional CAD to design a part, the CAD is based on Boolean operations or subtractive design,” said Jaideep Bangal, senior application engineer at solidThinking.

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