What is generative design?
Generative design software is helping businesses up and down the UK to visualize and produce project work. The project engineer adds all the design goals, constraints and variables like the material, weight, and machining tools available into Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. This software then uses algorithms and past learning from previous projects to generate a range of possible designs.
How does generative design help manufacturers?
CAD software allows firms like Instinct Hardware to explore a variety of options for ironmongery design. How? By offering a world of options that may not have been possible previously – maybe due to design time costs or newer tolerance levels in machinery. By learning from the past and producing multiple choices for design, generative design reduces the costs and man-power needed.
Having access to the most advanced CAD/CAM systems such as SolidWorks and Fusion 360 design software means complex problems can be overcome and the company can stay competitive and agile. This is particularly important when it comes to items such as ironmongery, where tastes change and new styles are rapidly required to keep up with demand.
What advantages does generative design provide?
For Instinct Hardware, one major benefit of generative design is that it helps the design team to create the most lightweight parts with minimal waste. These parts meet the high standards of manufacture and safety standards expected. This allows Instinct to make the most of the material being used – whether this is grade T316 stainless steel, brass or even timber. As a bespoke manufacturer, the time this can save on each individual order soon adds up – and means that customers can be sure they are getting the best possible options for their money.
For other businesses (such as Creative Manufacturing), another bonus of using generative design can be the ability to reverse engineer parts. Where businesses may need to replace or redesign parts for a legacy system, generative design can take the existing detail and create a modern solution for replacements. This can help to elongate the life of machinery or equipment.
Many businesses are also investing in 3D printers, which go hand-in-hand with the generative design process. This type of software easily generates optimized designs that are perfect for the often-complex shapes needed.
Is it expensive?
The initial outlay for the software can be high, however many providers offer tiered pricing or monthly subscriptions which can bring costs down to an achievable level for smaller businesses. Government-backed grants can also help with costs for manufacturing businesses. Instinct has made use of the Help to Grow scheme and the Aston University KTP scheme, which has allowed the business to implement digital methodology within the factory.
Generative design offers the chance to level the playing field, and gives small and medium businesses the chance to compete through innovative design and digital expertise.
If you are looking for innovative ironmongery using the latest technology, please contact Instinct Hardware – we’d be more than happy to help! Alternatively, if you are looking for components or full fabrication of parts, our sister company Creative Manufacturing can help.
Find out more about Instinct Hardware on their member profile page here
Member-created content 6 months ago | From members