CogniCAD 2.1: ParaMatters updates generative design platform
CogniCAD 2.1 offers enhanced capabilities for loading conditions and optimization of build orientation
Generative design software developer ParaMatters Inc. announced the release of CogniCAD 2.1, an updated version of its software platform capable of automatically generating ready-to-print, high-performance and lightweighted structures for the aerospace and automotive industries, among others.
ParaMatters first officially launched its CogniCAD platform last year at Formnext 2018 where the startup attracted significant attention for its unique software capabilities. The cloud-based, pay-per-design platform is capable of performing a range of tasks that are beneficial to additive manufacturing, including autonomous topology optimization, parts consolidation and lightweighting.
The intuitive software simply requires users to import their CAD files into the platform and define load and design criteria. From there, the software generates optimized designs verified by built-in Finite-Element Analysis which are ready to 3D print in either STL or STEP formats.
CogniCad 2.1 updates
The recently released CogniCAD 2.1 offers users a variety of enhanced loading conditions, including thermal loads as a beta release and force/moments via remote points. These features add to the generative design software’s existing acceleration (g-forces) and pressure loads. The update also enables design for AM and investment casting as a beta release as well as functional design capabilities including stress, compliance (stiffness) and deformation constraints.
CogniCAD 2.1 users will benefit not only from the generation of an optimal design based off of loads and set parameters, but also of the ideal model orientation for additive manufacturing. The software addresses the minimization of unsupported areas or supports volume and highlights areas that require reinforcement.
Other notable updates include 2x faster calculation and the ability for users to select the desired combination between resolution and speed of calculations. The software also now integrates an enhanced design cabinet view. Finally, ParaMatters says the updated software has smoothed out some minimal glitches that existed in the previous iteration. The models generated as a 1-click solution are guaranteed to be smooth and watertight STL models that can be exported as AM or STEP models into any CAD system.
More options and greater flexibility
“The most powerful agnostic CAD-to-CAD generative design and lightweighting software offering available on the market just got that much better for the automotive, aerospace, medical, industrial and material industries,” said ParaMatters Co-founder and CTO Dr. Michael Bogomolny. “With CogniCAD 2.1, users have more options and greater flexibility to create lightweighted objects that meet their design and manufacturing needs for challenging real-life applications.”
Avi Reichental, ParaMatters Co-founder and board member, added: “With CogniCAD 2.1, users have an enhanced tool that merges advanced topology optimization techniques, computational geometry, infinite computing power in the cloud, and artificial intelligence. The result is a powerful and affordable way to unleash the full potential of design for additive manufacturing.”
As a cloud-based software service, CogniCAD will continually be updated with increasingly sophisticated and new features. ParaMatters is working on advanced algorithms to enhance the overall digital thread and additive manufacturing capabilities. These include a new cloud-based, generative design platform that automatically compiles lightweight and metamaterial lattice structures on-demand based on size, weight, strength, style, materials and cost.
The California-based software company is also developing unique meso structural capabilities—presently offered as a design service—which will enable the generation of structural infills that mimic organic structures, such as bone, for instance.
