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What is Generative Design?

At a high-level, Generative Design is relatively simple. It is a capability of CAD applications that autonomously generates a number of design alternatives given a set number of constraints. This can be done without an engineer’s guidance or interaction, freeing them up for other tasks. Once complete, the engineers can choose which designs they want to explore more completely. In all, this accelerates the design process without detailed attention from the engineer. Related Products Generative Design Tools in Solid Edge Innovation Through Generative Design Generative Design ebook PDF Download How Generative Design and Additive Manufacturing Work Together Mother Nature’s Inspiration in Generative Design Projects Generative Design in NX Generative Design and topology optimisation Generative Design supports key capabilities for performing structural simulation and removing load-weight from empty area in materials. Siemens NX 12 generative design software embeds topology optimisation powered by convergent technology which enables unified 3D modelling capability on combinations of Facet and B-rep data. This results in lighter components without sacrificing design intent or integrity. Empowering engineers with Generative Design and facet modelling Generative Design is an cad engineering software function in which a designer collaborates with artificial intelligence algorithms to generate and evaluate hundreds of potential designs for a product idea. The Generative Design process starts with defining the goals and constraints of the project. These include, but are not limited to, design parameters such as: ⦁ product size or geometric dimensions ⦁ permissible loads and operating conditions ⦁ target weight ⦁ materials ⦁ manufacturing methods ⦁ cost per unit Benefits of building with Generative Design process By using Generative Design, engineers can create and simulate thousands of designs (many of which they may not have envisioned on their own) in a fraction of the time it would normally take. As additional benefit, the Generative Design process can yield highly […]

Workplace distancing solution to manage “next normal” manufacturing

Manufacturers are facing new challenges as they restart or maintain operations due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As preparations are made for the “next normal”, manufacturers must consider additional dimensions of employee safety, including the establishment of production environments and workflows that address physical distancing requirements. Combining proven hardware and software, Siemens has created a new solution that enables companies to quickly and efficiently model how employees interact with each other, the production line and plant design. The new solution also enables organisations to build an end-to-end digital twin, to simulate worker safety, iterate on and optimise workspace layouts and validate safety and efficiency measures to help future-proof production lines. With Siemens’ SIMATIC Real Time Locating Systems (RTLS), companies can continuously measure distances between workers, provide real time visual feedback to employees regarding their spacing from others and create a log of all movements and interactions over time. In this way the Siemens’ SIMATIC RTLS continuously facilitates safe distancing while providing numerous additional benefits. Combining SIMATIC RTLS with a digital twin of the actual manufacturing environment permits companies to model and simulate how employees interact with the equipment and each other, enabling them to iterate and optimise safety and productivity in the short term, and validate a redesign of the entire operation before more costly physical changes are made. In order to implement this solution, Siemens’ SIMATIC RTLS transponders are embedded in badges which are worn as personal protective equipment by all employees. RTLS receivers placed throughout the operation can then continuously track and record workforce movement. When two employees are in a risk scenario (e.g., less than six feet apart), their badges will display a warning, alerting them to the situation. The data collected over time can be analysed to identify “hot spots” where risk scenarios occur frequently. Such situations […]

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Advancing research: igus a new member of the Profibus Nutzerorganisation e.V.

Tested chainflex Profinet cables ensure reliable data transfer in moving applications Profinet is the world’s leading Ethernet-based communication solution for industrial automation. Because even large volumes of data can be transferred quickly and safely thanks to real-time communication. In order to advance the research of Profinet technology in moving applications, igus has now joined the Profibus Nutzerorganisation e.V. as a cable specialist. According to the results of a study by IHS Markit, Profinet is the industrial Ethernet communication system. Based on the newly installed nodes, Profinet achieved a market share of almost 30 per cent in 2018. The technology was developed by the Profibus Nutzerorganisation e.V. (abbreviation PNO). “Due to the increasing importance of Profinet in moving applications in industry, we have now joined the Profibus Nutzerorganisation e.V. as a cable specialist. Here we want to further advance the development of the technology”, says Andreas Muckes, Head of chainflex cables Product Management. “So the customer can be sure that our cable solutions always meet the current electrical requirements.” Profinet offers clear advantages for industry: a large amount of data can be transferred at up to 100 Mbit/s based on the Ethernet protocol. However, this also means that machines and cables must move increasingly more dynamically in a compact installation space: a challenge for standard cables. Therefore, igus has been developing cables that are specifically suitable for use in energy chains and on robots for over 25 years. For Profinet alone, igus offers nine types of cable for different application scenarios. Whether linear movement or torsion, the cable is guaranteed to last The chainflex Profinet cables are available in four jacket materials, four bend radii and two torsion angles. The igus product range offers solutions for small installation spaces, maximum speeds and three-dimensional movements with up to ±360 degrees/m on the […]

Energy chains vs. motor cable drums

The advantages and disadvantages of two industrial energy supply systems Whenever design engineers have to guide hoses and power and data cables in moving applications with long travels (more than 100 metres), the question arises of which energy supply system is the most efficient, especially considering such factors as reliability, maintainability, and future security? A motor cable drum? Or an energy chain? The advantages and disadvantages of the two systems are explored below. Candidate 1: The motor cable drum A proven energy supply that has been in use for decades – in applications such as cranes, transfer carriages, and the bulk material industry. The principle is simple. It is in its simplest form like a garden hose reel. When a gantry crane, for example, moves back and forth on its four supports, the cable is deposited on a prepared surface on the ground and is rolled back up on a drum mounted on one of the supports. There are several variants for retracting the cable. In addition to motorised drums, there are designs for shorter travels that work with spring force: the rolling action is normally either cylindrical or spiral rolling. In the cylindrical form, also called broad rolling, the cable first rolls up from left to right along the drum body. Then it rolls up vertically, layer by layer. Spiral rolling works differently. The cable is stacked immediately after the first rotation. The market for cable drums is growing. A key region is North America, and one reason is because the demand for cranes in the northern United States is rising. Another booming region is the Asia-Pacific, especially China and Japan. Among the reasons for this is urbanisation and a flourishing construction industry. According to Persistence Market Research, a market research institute, the global market volume will be more […]

OnRobot Soft Gripper highly flexible

The new OnRobot food-grade Soft Gripper is able to pick a wide array of irregular shapes and delicate items in food and beverage, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals production, as well as manufacturing or packaging Automation just got easier for food and beverage and other “clean” applications such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals that need to handle items from eggs to fruit, to bottles or irregular-shaped containers. The flexible OnRobot Soft Gripper uses three interchangeable silicon-moulded cups in star and four-finger configurations to pick up almost any small object under 2.2kg with a delicate, precise touch. The electric Soft Gripper is food-grade certified (complies with FDA 21 CFR for non-fatty items and EC 1935/2004) and unlike traditional vacuum grippers, it requires no external air supply, so it can reduce both cost and complexity. “Our new Soft Gripper is challenging existing solutions for picking hard-to-grasp, delicate and odd-sized items,” says CEO of OnRobot, Enrico Krog Iversen. “Unlike proprietary solutions, the Soft Gripper offers seamless integration with most collaborative robots and light industrial robots through our One System Solution.” OnRobot’s award-winning One System Solution is a platform that provides a unified mechanical and electrical interface between leading robot arms and any OnRobot end-of-arm tooling (EoAT). The One System Solution has been newly expanded to include integration with robots from ABB Robotics and Hanwha Precision Machinery. Now, users of those robots can take advantage of the unified mechanical and electrical interface of any OnRobot product, for easier integration and faster ROI. While the Soft Gripper is ideal for food and beverage applications, it also provides flexible, delicate gripping for manufacturing and packaging. Soft Gripper Features: Up to 2.2kg payload based on shape, softness and friction of items to be handled Grip dimensions ranging from 10mm-118mm depending on cup used FDA certification Flexible, interchangeable silicon cups Ideal […]

Forklift of the future

Hyster’s new H16-18XD series big truck Leading materials handling equipment provider, Hyster, is introducing a new big truck with a series of cabin upgrades for enhanced user comfort and visibility. Hyster’s new H16-18XD series big trucks can efficiently handle up to 16t or 18t, depending on the model, and is backed by the outstanding quality of the Hyster® brand and its network of dealers that provide fast, reliable service. “The new range is cost-efficient and hard-working, but with industry-leading levels of user comfort, visibility and control, to make the operator’s job as efficient as possible,” says Hyster-Yale Vice President, Big Trucks and Solutions, JAPIC, Mr Tony Fagg. The new H16-18XD series of Hyster big trucks – which is being introduced to Australia, New Zealand and Asia-Pacific this month as part of a global launch – is one of the first ranges to feature the new XD cabin, which is designed to provide a boost to productivity and comfort for operators in industries such as, materials handling, ports, logistics, food and beverage, automotive, paper, wood and metals. Advanced new cabin Hyster’s new cabin provides a ‘cockpit-style’ workplace by positioning all truck information and controls at the operator’s fingertips. It includes a high-quality interior finish with a seven-inch touchscreen display, rotary button controls on the armrest and outstanding soundproofing to minimise cabin noise and assist with operator concentration. The cabin has heating and climate control, ample floor space and a range of features designed for user comfort. Hyster developed the new cabin because the company understands that a comfortable operator is a productive operator. The new cabin is designed for excellent all-round operator visibility with curved, scratch-resistant front and rear windows, armoured glass top window and toughened glass doors, with a slimline steel frame. With the new cabin, operators can lift high […]

Bella, the Kiwi digital helper for times of crisis and need

Soul Machines – a leading innovator in the field of AI – is enlisting their technology to assist in the dissemination of information in times of public crisis, starting in New Zealand for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Bella, the Digital Helper aims to show how she can assist in New Zealand’s robust response to the ongoing public health crisis by providing a new, interactive channel to help the public receive easily digestible, up-to-the-moment information in a manner that frees up important resources for other relief efforts. As a company founded in New Zealand, Soul Machines designed Bella to be distinctively Kiwi, with an understanding and sensibility of the questions specific to the population. More than a standalone effort, Bella represents a reimagining of how technology and AI can serve as a robust and efficient crisis communications platform. Soul Machines is committed to a continued exploration of this mission on a global scale. Powered by the world’s first autonomous animation platform, Bella is a friendly and engaging digital helper available to answer questions based on data from a wide variety of sources. As New Zealand progresses to a phase of gradually reopening society, Bella could provide even more assistance, helping citizens to navigate the changing measures designed to contain and prevent the spread of the virus and restart industries and the economy. She can be updated daily to be able to provide the most accurate information in quickly changing times. Digital Helpers like Bella are already deployed with many of Soul Machines clients helping them to remain in personal contact with their staff and customers in different industries and different parts of the world. “When we started Soul Machines, creating engaging, personable digital helpers was an aspiration,” said co-founder and chief business officer Greg Cross. “Now, we are pleased to be […]

Proven and new at the same time: tribo-polymer iglidur E7 for energy-efficient plain bearings

Treotham expandS its plain bearing range with the very abrasion-resistant igus material iglidur E7. With specifications such as low coefficient of friction and excellent vibration dampening, the tribo-polymer iglidur E7 has already proven its strengths in the sliding elements of the drylin linear technology from igus. Now the plastics specialist has also included the material in its plain bearings catalogue range. This also allows users to benefit from iglidur E7 mechanisms with rotating or pivoting movements. The low coefficient of friction of the material ensures smooth movements, reduces the required drive energy and saves additional costs. In times of advancing automation of the industry, durable, cost-effective and above all energy-efficient machine components are called for. Since 1983, the motion plastics specialist igus has been developing tribo-polymers for plain bearing technology that are free of lubricants and therefore free of maintenance. igus has a total of 57 iglidur materials in its product range for various applications. iglidur E7 is among them. The tribo-polymer has been used in the sliding elements of drylin linear systems since 2012 and has been available in dryspin lead screw nuts since 2018. iglidur E7 has already proven itself in many applications such as camera lenses, train doors and even 3D printers. Above all, the vibration-dampening specifications of the tribo-polymers convince the user. Therefore, igus has now further developed the material for its plain bearing range. The iglidur E7 is specifically designed for low to medium loads in pivoting movements and withstands surface pressures of up to 18 MPa in motion. Due to the very low coefficient of friction of the iglidur E7, the drive energy is reduced, saving costs for the user. The new plain bearing material is suitable for flap or sensor bearings. Further applications are found in packaging, textile machinery and furniture technology. Tried […]

Kemppi expands helmet range

Leading international welding equipment manufacturer, Kemppi, has launched its next-generation Alfa and Beta welding helmets and respirator models. The new e-series models provide excellent protection for arc welding, cutting, grinding, gouging and inspection processes. What’s more, they deliver refined performance, durability and comfort to suit various budgets. The new e-series range has been designed using feedback from ‘active welders’ to deliver greater wearable value. Highly robust and durable, both the Alfa and Beta e-series models feature an impact-rated shell that is tough and strong, yet lightweight. The spacious design of both the Alfa and Beta e-series accommodates eyeglasses and half masks, while also allowing good access to tight spaces. Plus, several settings and features support easy adjustment for the best personal fit and extra welding comfort, including a comfort headband, integrated magnifying lens holder and an overall 20% weight reduction when compared to previous Beta models. Users can also choose from new, optional leather neck and shoulder protectors. Both Alfa and Beta e-series models include a flip-up welding lens that is perfectly positioned for pre and post-weld inspection. Plus, the lenses’ GapView feature is especially suitable for tacking and setting work. The large and clear impact grade inspection lens has a viewing are of 80cm2 and is certified to EN 175B and AS/NZS 1337.1. Users can choose from a wide range of welding lens options. Alfa e-series Starting at just 467g, the Alfa e-series welding helmets are Kemppi’s most lightweight and compact face shields in its welding safety product range. A durable, low-cost solution that provides protection for all general welding applications and grinding, the Alfa e-series welding helmets are equipped with either a passive glass welding lens or auto-darkening ADF welding lens. Beta e-series The Beta e-series has been designed for professional welders. Certified for welding, cutting and grinding according […]

Gripper excels in handling cylindrical objects

OnRobot’s 3FG15 three-finger gripper with a 150mm stroke is a powerful alternative to bulkier and less-flexible three-finger grippers currently on the market – a unique solution. The new gripper excels at heavy-payload machine-tending applications that require high precision and flexible handling. The 3FG15 makes previously hard-to-automate precision handling of cylindrical parts easy to program and deploy and provides flexibility for a wide range of part sizes. It was developed as a response to existing pneumatic three-finger grippers that are bulkier and less flexible. OnRobot has long defined the market for electric parallel grippers with the RG2 and RG6 series, and this three-finger gripper allows users to deploy applications faster with highly accurate, fixed positioning. The 3FG15 gripper has a maximum stroke of 150mm that can easily handle multiple processes. The innovative three-finger design with a 15 kg (33 lb) payload provides a strong, stable grip for both form fit (internal) or friction fit (external) gripping, adding flexibility to any implementation. Ideal for CNC machine tendingThe gripper’s design, specifically developed for machine-tending tasks, automatically centres workpieces, resulting in a strong, stable grip and precise placement in machine chucks. With a gripping force from 10 N to 240 N, the 3FG15 competes with much less flexible finger grippers. The gripper is also ideal for packaging and palletising applications, and is seamlessly compatible with any major collaborative or light industrial robot arm through OnRobot’s new award-winning One System Solution, the platform that provides a unified mechanical and electrical interface between the robot arms and any OnRobot end-of-arm tooling (EoAT). 3FG15 Features: Precise stable grip with automatic centring Large 150mm stroke for parts from 20mm to 150mm Form fit (internal) and friction fit (external) gripping 15kg payload Weight 1.15kg, gripping force 10-240 N Fast, flexible deployment The EoAT market in Asia Pacific, excluding Japan, […]

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