organic, nature-like forms that were commonly created did not lend themselves well to processes such as machining, casting or fabrication, she adds. But that led many people to assume the designs could be produced only through additive-manufacturing techniques. Now, the scope of generative-design automation is expanding to include traditional manufacturing processes, such as milling, die casting, and even water milling. Today, you can input traditional manufacturing constraints into Autodesk Fusion 360 and use its generative-design functionality to produce optimal design solutions that can be manufactured according to one of several predetermined methods, she adds. Autodesk’s generative design software, part of its Fusion 360 platform, includes capabilities to sort through the design
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possibilities reflected by particular manufacturability considerations. This enables engineers to compare how easily, quickly and cost-effectively components can be produced via different manufacturing methods, Losey says. By applying constraints that sort design possibilities according to selected processes, design options can be evaluated in a new light. Both engineers and manufacturers are often surprised at the results, she says. Multi-axis machining might be the best choice, as it turns out, even for a very elaborate part, when certain constraints are in place. And bringing manufacturing to the front of the decision-making process underscores the role generative design has to play in the choice of product, Losey adds. Estimating manufacturing costs PowerMill 5-axis CAM software provides
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expert CNC programming strategies for complex 3- and 5-axis subtractive, highrate additive, and hybrid manufacturing. Meanwhile, PowerShape is CAD software that creates complex 3D geometry to better control CAM software such as PowerMill. It works with any combination of surface, solid, or mesh data and quickly creates damage and collision-free toolpaths for large, complex parts, Losey says. A recent video from Autodesk, in reference to questions to keep in mind while populating a prospective generative design, asks: “Will you deviate from the traditional design scope to include manufacturing constraints? Will you use 5-axis, 3-axis or even 2.5-axis milling? What about die casting? Can your design be water milled? Or does additive manufacturing provide the best value and performance?� Clearly, the manufacturing process is a big influence on the type of geometry produced, Losey says.
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