From design space to optimal part in 5 minutes

Starting from a simple design space in Sketchup, a single Topshape plugin button opens TopShape and transfer the geometry to it. Fidelity level for the analysis model is specified by selecting the number of elements. When the “Go” button is clicked, TopShape automatically remesh the geometry with appropriate elements to create a wire-mesh geometry which can be analyzed or manipulated directly. 

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An analysis is created with constraints and loads with just several mouse clicks. This is for use in defining the design criteria in the optimization setup. In this case, the design criteria are set to maximize the stiffness while limiting the amount of material. While the optimization is running, color contour of the material distribution is displayed immediately after each iteration is completed, along with the graph of the metrics used for design criteria. When the optimization run completes, an iso-surface is extracted. Note that the iso-surface is remeshed and smoothed instantaneously. This geometry can be used for further analysis and design optimization, but in this case it is sent directly to a 3D printer and the optimized design is printed out.

  • … watch how to install TopShape plugin to Sketchup, SolidWorks, Creo, InventorCatia, Geomagic
  • … watch a shape video on how TopShape works with OnShape.
  • … ask a question in the TopShape Q&A.

Generating micro-lattice design

In this demo, TopShape is used to generate micro-lattice inside of a part. No analysis or optimization is involved in this tutorial and the micro-lattice are homogeneous throughout. We provide this demo because it is so simple that a child can do with a single click of a button for his toy design for example. It is also readily used a an option for a 3D printer driver. In more demanding applications, it is recommended to optimize the lattice structure for a better performance.

  • … watch a tutorial on micro-lattice optimization.

Parameter-free shape optimization

Parameter free shape optimization optimize the shape by moving each individual nodes of the underlying mesh. It is very easy to setup because we don’t need to define how the shape is changed. Also, the shape has the most freedom to change. There have been some challenges for this types of optimization, but we have developed proprietary techniques to do it efficiently and user can now enjoy the advantages.

  • … need to restrict shapes the way you want? Watch this feature-based shape optimization tutorial.