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You can either create the geometry directly in MSC Apex Generative Design or import already existing files. You can import .xb, .xt, .step, and .sldprt files into the program.
Import/create the Design Space including the Non-Design Spaces in MSC Apex Generative Design as one solid. For this Gripper the already prepared Design Space was imported.
Open the Optimization Tools to select the imported Geometry as the Design Space
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Name | Direction |
|---|---|
Constraint 1 | x, y, z (=0) |
Constraint 2 | x, y, z (=0) |
Therefore, the Loads & Boundary Condition Tool is needed.
Under Displacement Constraints a “clamped” constraint can be chosen, which locks translations in all three directions. On the left side of the Tool the relevant geometry choice can be selected. In this case the inner surfaces of the mounting holes are selected to attach the constraint.
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The next steps are defined in the Studies area.
All boundary conditions must be assigned to the specific load cases, which are defined as Events. The number of Eventscan be changed by adding/deleting Eventsto the GD Scenario. The assignment of the boundary conditions to the Eventscan be made in the Loads & Constrains Window. The already created loads and constraints that concern the Design Space are listed in this window and can be activated for each Eventindividually.
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The optimisation parameters are selected in the Studies Area as well.
Select the Manufacturing Method: Generic AM
Selected the Failure Criterion: von Mises
Enter the Safety Factor: 5.75 (80 MPa)
Select the Strut Density: Medium
Select the Shape Quality: Fine Tune
Set the Complexity Setting: 8
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Inside the Post Processing the Stresses, Failure Criteria, the displacementsDisplacements, the optimisation achievement Optimisation Achievement index and the volume/mass are visible for all iterations
The Scale can be influenced individually
With the buttons in the buttom bottom bar it is possible to switch between the Nominal-, Print- and Smooth-Geometry. All of them can be exported as an STL-file or transferred directly back to the model treePre Processing.
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Influence of Support Reduction Strategies
The Support Reduction function creates print-ready geometries with a perfect ratio between support reduction and part performance. It reduces the needed required amount of support structure during for the manufacturing process with nearly the same mechanical performance as without Support Reduction (Base-Design).
In the picture below on the left side shows the Base-Design without Support Reduction and on the right side the design with Support Reduction with (passive strategy is shown). The area where the most support structure is needed is reshaped in such a way that the support strucutre is reduced significantly.
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The passive Support Reduction reduces the needed required support structure about 75% at 3% less mass. As a small trade-off the max. deflection increases by 5%.
The Support Reduction Strategies Reactive and Active with an a Support Reduction Intensity value of 5 reduce the needed required support structure even more , - 85% of the initial support structure can be saved.
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