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Info

Goal of this tutorial

  • Learn how to activate the Support Reduction function

  • Explore the impact of Support Reduction to the design

  • Usage of different Support Reduction modes

Training:

Relevant data for this tutorial:

View file
nameDesign Space.x_t

Step 1: Start MSC Apex Generative Design

The program starts and you can directly create your optimisation model

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Step 2: Model generation

You can either create the geometry directly in MSC Apex Generative Design or import already existing files. You can import for example .x_b, .x_t, .step, and .sldprt files into the program.

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Material Assignment

  • Choose AlSi10Mg as the material in the Materials editor and assign it to the Design Space

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Step 3: Definition of boundary conditions

Go to the Loads & Boundary Condition Tool to enter the loads and fixations. Displacements, Forces, Moments, Gravity and Pressure Loads can be applied using different selection options.

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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 surface of the mounting hole is selected to attach the constraint.

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Step 4: Interface Creation

Interfaces have to be created for every functional surface - so every surface where a boundary condition is applied to. With this Tool an offset to the inside with the input “Non-Design Space Thickness” and an offset to the outside with the input “Machining Allowance” is created. The Offset Distance is expanding the Interface to the set value to create material on front faces.

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Note: Sometimes the Interface Offset (usually displayed in red) is not visualized due to a limitation. The correct value will be considered in the optimisation.

Step 5: Definition of load cases

The next steps are defined in the Studiesarea.

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  • Event1: Force-Moment 1, Force-Moment 2, Constraint 1

  • Event2: Force-Moment 3, Constraint 1

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Step 5: Definition of optimisation parameters and Generative Design Settings

The optimisation parameters are selected in the Studies Area as well.

Step 6: Activating Support Reduction (Design Rules: AM)

For the Support Reduction the Z-direction of the Principal Coordinate System (PCS) is always the build direction.

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You can check the status of the optimisation in the GD Status and get more information on Warning and Error messages. This can be done directly in the Post-Processing as well as in the Studies tab for an optimisation that has already been executed.

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Step 7: Starting the optimisation and visualize the results

If all data is correct, the optimisation can be started and tracked in the Post Processing. The Analysis Readiness function checks if all information is provided and the optimisation can start.

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The optimisation is finished after 64 iterations (Shape Quality: Balanced).

Step 8: Visualization of Failure Criteria, Displacements etc.

  • Inside the Post Processing the Stresses, Failure Criteria, the Displacements, the Optimisation Achievement index and the volume/mass are visible for all iterations

  • The Scale can be influenced individually

  • With the buttons in the 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 Pre Processing as an NURBS CAD-Geometry.

SupportReduction_GDScenario1.png

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 required amount of support structure for the manufacturing process with nearly the same mechanical performance as without Support Reduction (Base-Design).

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View file
nameSupportReduction_Example_2023-3.7z

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