Introduction to Generative Design for Manufacturing

Course overview

Generative design is a new workflow that generates high-performing design alternatives with optimized geometry that is often far removed from a traditional design. Learn how to set up, generate, and explore design outcomes and post-process generative designs. Explore the basics of Fusion assemblies and geometry creation, with a focus on obstacle geometry. Set up a generative design study and learn advanced T-spline tools to post-process a generative output. With the rapid expansion of various types of manufacturing—from additive, subtractive, and even hybrid approaches—the generative design workflow gives you the power to explore every avenue of a design.

After completing this course, you'll be able to:

Explain generative design technology.
Create basic assemblies.
Use generative design.
Explore generative design outcomes.
Finalize advanced designs.
Edit sculpted bodies using T-splines.

This course includes exercises and videos that advise use of Autodesk Cloud Credits. Cloud credits should be used at your own discretion. See course resources for more details.

Course downloads

These downloadable resources will be used to complete modules in this course:

gd-intro course resources.zip

Course outline

2 min.

Getting started

Discover what you'll learn in this course and download the software and resources you need.

Module outline

Discover what you'll learn in this course and download the software and resources you need.

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1 hr. 20 min.

Introduction to generative design

Identify the difference between generative design and topology optimization and understand the generative design mindset and workflow.

Module outline

In this module you will identify the difference between generative design and topology optimization and understand the generative design mindset and workflow.

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

Explain what generative design is.
Explain the generative workflow mindset.
Identify a topology optimized part.
Identify a generative design part.

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1 hr. 35 min.

Generative design preserve and obstacle geometry

In this module you will learn to identify, create and/or select obstacle and preserve geometry while setting up the generative design space.

Module outline

In this module you will learn to identify, create and/or select obstacle and preserve geometry while setting up the generative design space.

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

Select preserve and obstacle geometry.
Use Edit Model.
Use Connector Obstacle.
Create basic solid bodies.

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2 hr.

Generative design study setup

In this module you will learn to define loads, constraints, load cases, manufacturing methods, materials and design objectives for a generative design study.

Module outline

In this module you will learn to define loads, constraints, load cases, manufacturing methods, materials and design objectives for a generative design study.

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

Apply a load and constraint.
Clone a load case.
Set a generative design objective.
Set a material.
Set a generative design manufacturing method.

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1 hr. 35 min.

Post process a generative outcome

In this module you will explore a 3D model created from a generative outcome, modify a form body, perform a static stress simulation and review simulation results.

Module outline

In this module you will explore a 3D model created from a generative outcome, modify a form body, perform a static stress simulation and review simulation results.

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

Create a distributed design.
Edit a form.
Set up a simulation study.
Review simulation results.

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55 min.

Additional form tools

In this module you will explore additional forms tools that will aid in the modification of generative design outcomes.

Module outline

In this module you will explore additional forms tools that will aid in the modification of generative design outcomes.

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

Use Smooth.
Use Cylindrify.
Use Erase and Fill.

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2 hr.

Course challenge exercise

Module outline

Now that you've completed the learning material in this course, you can take the challenge exercise to measure your skills on the topics covered in this course. Follow the assignment directions below or download the PDF to follow along at your own pace.