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MSC Apex Generative Design
Smart Generative Design for an unmatched Design for Additive Manufacturing Experience
Advanced optimisation
Bridge the gap between design and manufacturing with Smart Generative Design. Create optimised designs that perfectly match their requirements.
Generative Design Infographic
Shifting the paradigm in 3D metal printing: Trends, drivers, market and key facts about Generative Design.
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Existing CAD data can be directly imported into MSC Apex Generative Design. The import feature can handle all common CAD file formats, from STL and STEP files through to a number of proprietary CAD software file formats. If needed, even complex assemblies can be imported. Otherwise, the model can be created from scratch directly within the software.
Using the versatile geometry tools, the imported data can be easily manipulated for preparing the optimisation model. Specialised functions allow the highly efficient preparation of complex assemblies. Loads and boundary conditions are quickly defined with the corresponding features to complete the model setup.
The software automatically creates a mesh within seconds and starts the optimisation run. It intelligently smooths and properly intersects the geometry in every iteration And the algorithm creates feasible, directly usable and reliable designs.
With just a few mouse clicks the generated mesh is quickly transferred to a NURBS‐based CAD file format, so that it can be utilized in the user’s common CAD/CAM workflow – no more manual work required!
Significant time reduction
MSC Apex Generative Design makes design for manufacturing smarter because it combines speed with high levels of automation to significantly reduce the time required for optimisation. The result is a fast, cost‐efficient and integrated process
Stress based optimisation
Stresses are usually the most important layout criterion for a part design. MSC Apex Generative Design technology makes it possible to optimise in a stress‐oriented manner. This approach enables a true bionic‐shaped design, with a very homogenous stress distribution to ensure high part reliability
Automated retransition to CAD
Conventional optimisation software requires the use of additional retransition software to receive computer‐generated structures, and the know‐how and experience to use it. MSC Apex Generative Design incorporates this core functionality in a single environment and automatically translates the design for optimal CAD/CAM linkage
Intelligent smoothing
The efficient transition into fine and smooth surfaces is automatically conducted by an intelligent algorithm. A defect‐free surface is guaranteed, ensuring the high quality of every single part.
Automatic mesh generation
The mesh for the optimisation model is automatically generated and error‐free compared to a manual, time‐consuming process using conventional optimisation software
Automatic resolution adjustment
MSC Apex Generative Design is designed specifically to generate the detailed and highly complex structures that only AM can manufacture. The software automatically adjusts the resolution: once a rough geometry has been generated, the software increasingly refines the resolution until a finer, more detailed structure is achieved.
Innovative technology for innovative designs
MSC Apex Generative Design's innovative approach has been proven in practice
It is based on Finite Element Analysis but, unlike traditional methods, does not use a density field, rather utilizes a very fine mesh with well-defined elements. This enables the algorithm to directly evaluate the occurring stresses, as well as reliably derive distinct geometries that are truly unimaginable by human mind.
Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) without Expert Knowledge
MSC Apex Generative Design is designed specifically to generate the detailed and highly complex structures that only additive processes can manufacture. The optimised designs exhibit perfect transitions between structure elements such as struts and shells as well as they contain usually self-supporting structures that ensure the results can be sent straight to print.
MSC Apex Generative Design at a glance
- Simplicity - No expert knowledge required for conducting optimisations through a high user-focused software design.
- Automated Design - Almost automatically generate multiple smoothed design candidates that all satisfy the design criteria while minimizing the weight.
- Import and Validation - Import existing geometries or mesh, find optimized design candidates, and perform design validation - all inside a single CAE environment.
- Direct Output - Export geometry that can be directly manufactured and used immediately without manual re-work.
- One Process - Import the resulting geometries in Simufact Additive or Digimat AM to achieve cost-efficient first-time-right result for every part.
Case study: Lightweight bracket
Lightweight construction is particularly important in satellite design because every extra kilogram generates high costs for transportation into space. If weight can be saved, the valuable payload of the launch vehicle or satellite can be used for further applications and added value can be created.
Case study: Optimised wheel carrier
Two factors are essential for a successful racing car: light weight and strong components. Due to its fourfold use, the wheel carrier is ideal for saving weight while meeting high load-bearing requirements.
Case study: Stiff motor mount
The electrification of bikes is bringing extraordinary attention and growth impulses to cycling. Lightweight construction is also of high importance for those bicycles which is why the motor mount was redesigned and prepared for 3D printing.
Learn more about MSC Apex Generative Design
Collaterals
Brochure
MSC Apex Generative Design
Bridge the gap between design and manufacturing with Smart Generative Design. Create optimised designs that perfectly match their requirements.
Infographic
Generative Design and Metal 3D printing
Simufact Additive is a scalable software solution for the simulation of metal-based additive Manufacturing (AM) processes...
Flyer
HxGN Virtual Manufacturing Suite
Virtual manufacturing simulation software harnesses the powerful simulations and innovation to drive sustainable and efficient manufacturing processes...
Flyer
MSCOne for Manufacturing
Virtual Manufacturing Solutions uniquely bundled specifically for Small and Medium-sized Businesses.
Case Studies & White Paper
Case Study
Engineering ingenuity driven by Generative Design
The racing team used MSC Apex Generative Design to create a truly new design approach for their electric race car
Case Study
Generative design helps e-Bike manufacturer
When generative design helps to transform a design to be additive manufacturing ready and cuts weight and adds an eye-catcher.
Case Study
How generative design was used to get a legacy train
Quickly adapt legacy designs to 3D printing and deliver unavailable spare parts on the spot.
Case Study
Lightweight additive technology for increased
Packaging machines can greatly benefit from lightweight design. And generative design can deliver customised grippers highly automated.
White Paper
Enhance product development efficiency with GD
Generative Design can boost product development with the fast creation of optimised designs. It shortens time-to-market and pushes innovation.
Case Study
Easy handling of difficult tasks
Crimping tools are very heavy to handle so an optimised design can greatly benefit the daily usage. It saves on material without compromising the robustness but makes work much easier.
Case Study
Race sports: Catch the highest performance
For racing every gram counts. So MSC Apex Generative Design is the perfect companion to increase performance with optimised designs.
Case Study
Generating competitive 3D printing designs
Optimising parts and creating efficient designs is so fast and easy with MSC Apex Generative Design that it can be used for even the simplest parts as this door hinge example proves.
Case Study
Optimising semiconductor production hardware
Exceptional designs are required for exceptional machines: Enhancing the production of semiconductors with MSC Apex Generative Design.
Case Study
Satellite technology: Lightweight construction
Lightweight, yet stiff part designs can be easily and quickly generated by MSC Apex Generative Design for maximum satellite payload.
Case Study
Enabling reliable aircraft structures
Sustainability is a highly important factor for aerospace and lightweight designs can improve the environmental impact of aircrafts.
Case Study
Accelerate development of complex hood hinges
Complex design areas often result in very complex components. MSC Apex Generative Design can generate an integrated part design.
White Paper
Reducing costs through virtual simulation
Recognizing optimisation potential in product development and implementing in the manufacturing process.
On-Demand Webinars
Webinar
Spice your engineering workflow with generative design
Deploy and combine MSC Apex Generative Design with a variety of tools to optimize development processes and achieve better outcome
Webinar
How Apex Generative Design eases your engineering life
Effective strategies to get to optimised, lightweight part designs, and accelerate time to market using Generative Design
Training Series
Boost your engineering productivity
Training session from beginner to professional for enhancing engineering speed and quality through optimisation