ParaMatters Launches CogniCAD 3.0 at Formnext 2019

ParaMatters, provider of computer-generated design and manufacturing software solutions, launched  its complete end-to-end solution platform, CogniCAD 3.0 at Formnext 2019. CogniCAD 3.0 features expanded one-click generative design for mechanical and thermal applications, new reverse engineering tools and algorithmically optimized part orientation for additive manufacturing. The release of CogniCAD 3.0 includes many new tools and capabilities, including a one-click machine learning-based supports generator for plastics and a print simulator for metals.

“At ParaMatters, we are building a game-changing collaborative platform that is freeing up talented engineers and creative designers to do their best work and get it done faster by flipping the traditional role between software and engineers throughout the design process,“ says co-founder and CTO of ParaMatters, Michael Bogomolny. “At Formnext, we are showcasing how CogniCAD is delivering the very functionality that product companies seek to speed up their design and manufacturing cycles and enhance their products’ performance and differentiation.”

ParaMatters is available through 15 resellers that the company partnered with globally and also online. 

How it Works

CogniCAD 3.0 starts with one-click computer-generated design, or automated reverse engineering. Now users can also ask the platform to discover the most optimal print orientation for their geometry and algorithmically generated support structures—automatically as a one-click solution and by simulating the manufacturing metal AM process before actual manufacturing to identify process failures before production occurs. 

CogniCAD 3.0's key features include the following:

• Mechanical Topology Optimization—Enhanced design capabilities that consider statics and vibrations; 
• Heat Conduction Topology Optimization—For the design of passive cooling devices, like sink structures for electronics, automotive, aerospace and other applications; 
• Reverse Engineering—Includes mesh healing and conversion to solid CAD models; 
• Design of Supports Structures and Optimization of Print Orientation—Machine learning-based approach to fully automate design supports structures and find optimal 3D build orientation; and
• Metal AM Simulation—Finite-element simulation of metal additive manufacturing process, powered by software partner AdditiveLab.

CogniCAD 3.0 features a new vibration load optimization to control structural frequency. Doubling its computational speed in high resolution, CogniCAD 3.0 provides enhanced output quality with robustness for geometry imperfections, the company reports. It enables healing of imported/scanned mesh in STL/PLY and delivers fully automated conversion of healed mesh to solid CAD models exported to STEP.

CogniCAD 3.0 provides one-click design for supports structures and automated optimization of build orientation based on machine learning algorithms. The company is also introducing metal AM simulations that are powered by AdditiveLab, a new tool that helps manufacturers analyze and optimize their metal manufacturing processes.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.