Generative Design Frequently Asked Questions

• Is generative design AI?

  PTC's generative design solution is a software tool that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques to automate the design process. It is designed to help engineers and designers create more efficient and innovative designs by rapidly exploring many design alternatives and selecting the best ones based on specified design goals and constraints. Generative design uses AI algorithms to generate and evaluate multiple design options based on input from the user. It can consider a wide range of factors, including materials, manufacturing processes, and performance requirements, to generate designs that are optimized for specific goals. The user can then review and select the most promising designs for further development.

• How do you use generative design in Creo?

  Our new Generative Topology Optimization extension (GTO) and cloud-based Generative Design Extension (GDX) help you optimize product designs based on your constraints and requirements. Both GTO and GDX are seamlessly integrated into Creo and can be set up and executed by the design engineer directly from the Creo tool bar.

  The Generative Topology Optimization extension is a tool that helps users find the optimal product design to meet specified performance goals, while using the least amount of material possible. This extension can be used to design a structure that is lighter, stronger, and more efficient than those that are designed using traditional methods.

  The cloud-based Generative Design Extension, on the other hand, is a tool that helps users simultaneously generate and evaluate multiple design alternatives based on input from the user. This extension can consider a wide range of factors, including materials, manufacturing processes, and performance requirements to generate designs that are optimized for specific goals—including those you may not have considered. The user can then review and select the most promising designs for further development.

• What is the difference between generative design and topology optimization?

  Generative design and topology optimization are two related but distinct approaches to design. Generative design is a method of using AI algorithms to generate and evaluate multiple design alternatives based on input from the user. This design process can take many factors into account, including performance requirements, manufacturing processes, and materials to generate optimized designs.

  On the other hand, topology optimization is a foundational process of finding the optimal shape and layout of a structure or component to meet specified performance goals while using the least amount of material possible. It involves using computer algorithms to iteratively remove material from the design until the optimal configuration is reached. Topology optimization converges on a single solution based only on functional objectives, constraints, and loads and solves for one solution at a time.

• What is the difference between generative design and parametric design?

  Generative design is a method of using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to generate and evaluate multiple design alternatives based on input from the user. The user can then review and select the most promising designs for further development. Generative design is a powerful tool in the hands of a design engineer, replacing mundane, time-consuming work with high-value design objectives.

  Parametric design, on the other hand, is an approach to 3D CAD in which you capture design intent using features and constraints (or parameters) that can be manually modified to produce unique design outcomes. These variables can include geometric dimensions, material properties, and other design variables. Parametric design can be used to manually explore fresh design alternatives by changing the values of the parameters.

• Is generative design only used for additive manufactured products?

  Generative design works extremely well with additive manufacturing technologies, as the generative engine is free to explore organic shapes that aren’t limited by manufacturing constraints like draft angles and machine tool paths. However, there are circumstances when traditional, subtractive manufacturing is preferred. In these situations, Creo GTO and GDX extensions can produce truly innovative product design based on machining, extrusion, and casting processes.