Webcast to Explore the Link Between Optimization and 3D Printing

DE panel for the webinar on 3D printing and optimization: Kenneth Wong, DE's senior editor; Simon Floyd, Microsoft's Director, Innovation & PLM; and Michelle Boucher, Tech-Clarity's Vice President Engineering Software Research

Additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing was once a prototyping technology, meant for making low-volume physical mockups. But in the last five years, it has gradually morphed into an alternative manufacturing method. Its capability to build complex shapes well outside the range possible with traditional machining or injection molding is tantalizing, especially to aerospace and automotive manufacturers.

These industries lead the charge in topology optimization. As part of their strategy to keep planes and vehicles as light as possible, car and plane makers use mathematically optimal shapes. But the algorithm-driven, software-recommended optimal shapes seldom come in perfect squares, rectangles, and circles; they are almost always in organic, unorthodox geometry. Could AM or 3D printing be the solution to manufacturing optimal topology?

To explore the link between topology optimization and 3D printing in DE's webinar scheduled for next Thursday, June 25, I join:

• Simon Floyd, Microsoft's director of business development & strategy for product lifecycle management
• Michelle Boucher, Tech-Clarity's VP of engineering software research

Representing the Windows OS giant, Simon will be discussing Microsoft's strategy and solutions for 3D printing, including tailor-made apps to attract 3D printing project and partnerships with major CAD vendors. He said, "Our goal is to foster a whole new class of innovation in the design engineering space, by making 3D printing part of all relevant app features rather than being a separate effort."

Traditionally, engineers' foolproof method to prevent product failure has been over-engineering -- by designing the product to survive the worst case scenarios (and more). But topology optimization introduces a more reasonable alternative. Michelle pointed out it helps "avoid over engineering by applying material only where needed."

With her wide-angle view of the industry, Michelle will trace the growth of 3D printing over time, along with the advantages it offers in the range of geometry and the choice of materials. She observed, "Design rules of thumb are based on traditional manufacturing approaches. So now we need new approaches to design."

To register for the webinar, please visit this link.